Gastroenterology Coding Alert
You Be the Expert:
Can You Code A "Corkscrew Esophagus?"
Published on Wed Apr 11, 2018
Question: Our physician diagnosed a patient with a "corkscrew esophagus." We have never seen this condition before. Which ICD-10 code describes it? Codify Subscriber Answer: A corkscrew esophagus occurs as part of a diffuse esophageal spasm disorder, which can impact a patient's ability to swallow and can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you look at the notes under K22.4 (Dyskinesia of esophagus), you'll see that corkscrew esophagus is the first condition listed as being included in the code. Therefore, K22.4 is the correct code to use. Terms related to somewhat similar disorders include "nutcracker esophagus," "jackhammer esophagus," or hypercontractile esophagus.
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