1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. K00–K95
  4. K20-K31
  5. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21)

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21)

ICD-10 codes K21 to K21.9 classify different forms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), including cases with or without esophagitis and bleeding. These codes precisely identify the severity and complications of acid reflux affecting the esophagus.

The ICD-10 code for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21) covers the general condition of acid reflux. Subcategories like K21.0 specify GERD with esophagitis, and further detail is provided by K21.00 for cases without bleeding, which includes synonymous terms such as "alkaline reflux disease," "esophagogastric ulcer," and "gastroesophagitis." When bleeding occurs due to erosive reflux, K21.01 is used, capturing conditions like esophageal hemorrhage and bleeding. The code K21.9 represents GERD without esophagitis and encompasses various related terms such as "acid reflux," "laryngopharyngeal reflux," and "non-erosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease." These ICD-10 codes help healthcare professionals document the nature and complications of GERD accurately for diagnosis, treatment, and reporting purposes.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • newborn esophageal reflux P78.83

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Duodenogastric Reflux

Retrograde flow of duodenal contents (BILE ACIDS; PANCREATIC JUICE) into the STOMACH.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Back flow of gastric contents to the LARYNGOPHARYNX where it comes in contact with tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an extraesophageal manifestation of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX.