Gastroenterology Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Is There Such A Condition As NERD? Find Out
Published on Mon Apr 04, 2016
Question: My physician’s notes indicated the patient, who was in for an EGD, has NERD. I’m not really sure what he means. What is the code for it?
Colorado Subscriber
Answer: NERD stands for nonerosive reflux disease. Essentially, it’s gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, without visible damage to the mucous membrane.
The correct code to report NERD is K21.9 (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis). Don’t confuse it with another code commonly used for GERD, K21.0 (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis), which indicates damage to the esophagus.
Related Articles
Other Articles in this issue of
Gastroenterology Coding Alert
- Upper Endoscopy:
Pick Up an Ethical $400 By Applying the Lessons from This EGD Op Note
Tip: “Sample collection” is different from an actual biopsy. When your gastroenterologist ventures into a [...] - ICD-10:
Your Diagnoses Will Prop Up Your G Codes for High Risk Colonoscopies
A hemorrhoid’s location should lead you to the appropriate ICD-10. Want to get your hemorrhoid [...] - Modifiers:
Another Trip to the OR? See If The Visit Warrants Modifier 58
Clue: If you’re coding a complication procedure, go with a different modifier. When a patient [...] - Reader Question:
A 'Healthy' Appendectomy Won't Add to Your Bottom Line
Question: I heard Medicare and most other payers will not pay separately for the removal of [...] - Reader Question:
Attempted EGD? Look to Modifier 53
Question: The GI attempted an EGD on a patient with primary tongue carcinoma who had multiple [...] - Reader Question:
Acute Diarrhea Won't Support Colonoscopy
Question: What are the limitations of colonoscopy (44388-44397; 45355- 45392)? Delaware Subscriber Answer: Be wary if your [...] - Reader Question:
Resolve Your Colonic Hemorrhage Doubts
Question: Our gastroenterologist diagnosed a patient with significiant lower gastrointestinal bleed status post polypectomy of the [...] - Reader Question:
Reflect Personal History With Z86.010
Question: If the physician does not state the type of polyp as adenomatous for a “surveillance [...] - You Be the Coder:
Is There Such A Condition As NERD? Find Out
Question: My physician’s notes indicated the patient, who was in for an EGD, has NERD. I’m [...]
View All
