Esophageal varices (I85) ICD-10-CM
The I85 code range covers esophageal varices with 7 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 4 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence F10
Codes in the I85 Range 7 codes · 4 billable
- I85 Esophageal varicesNon-billable
- I85.0 Esophageal varicesNon-billable
- I85.00 Esophageal varices without bleeding
- I85.01 Esophageal varices with bleeding
- I85.1 Secondary esophageal varicesNon-billable
- I85.10 Secondary esophageal varices without bleeding
- I85.11 Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding
About the I85 Code Range
Codes within the I85 category of ICD-10-CM specifically describe different types of esophageal varices, which are swollen veins in the esophagus. These codes differentiate whether the varices are bleeding or not and if they are primary or secondary to another condition.
The ICD-10 code I85.00 covers esophageal varices without bleeding, also known by terms such as gastroesophageal varices and downhill varices of the esophagus. For varices that have started bleeding, the code I85.01 is used, often referred to clinically as bleeding esophageal varices. Secondary esophageal varices related to other liver disorders, including cirrhosis and various liver diseases, are coded under I85.10 if not bleeding and I85.11 if they are bleeding. These codes help healthcare providers specifically capture the source and severity of varices, facilitating accurate documentation and treatment planning for conditions like portal hypertension and complications arising from liver disease.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the I85 range?
Of the 7 codes in this range, 4 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the I85 range classify?
The range classifies esophageal varices. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
