Heartburn (R12) ICD-10-CM
The R12 code range covers heartburn with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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.
Codes in the R12 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- R12 Heartburn
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the R12 range.
Heartburn
Substernal pain or burning sensation, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus.
About the R12 Code Range
The ICD-10 code R12 is used to identify cases of heartburn, a common symptom involving burning pain or discomfort in the esophageal area. This code applies specifically to the recorded diagnosis of heartburn without attributing it to a more specific underlying condition.
R12 covers various terms related to heartburn, including pain in the esophagus, waterbrash, esophageal reflux finding, burning pain, and digestive system reflux. These synonyms help ensure accurate coding when documenting symptoms that align with functional or typical reflux-related discomfort. Coders and healthcare providers use this code to document instances of heartburn when it is the primary complaint or finding, aiding in clear communication and appropriate clinical management. Understanding the ICD-10 code for heartburn ensures that the symptom is correctly classified distinct from more severe esophageal diseases, supporting proper patient care and data reporting.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the R12 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 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 R12 range classify?
The range classifies heartburn. 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.
