Gastroparesis ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What are ICD-10 codes?

The ICD-10 is the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases organized by the World Health Organization [1]. Its purpose is to classify and code various medical conditions in a consistent and uniform manner. Healthcare organizations in the US use a modified version of the ICD-10 called the ICD-10-CM (clinically modified) for claims processing and billing [2].

The ICD-10 has over 68,000 codes, with new ones added routinely to keep up with the latest discoveries [3]. By comparison, the ICD-9 only has about 13,000 codes. There are several advantages of using the ICD-10 classification system, including greater specificity in identifying health conditions.

The ICD-10 makes it easier to measure and track healthcare conditions. Note that physicians are required to capture as much information as possible about a patient’s medical symptoms to identify an accurate code.

Note that the ICD-10-PCS is a cataloging system used for tracking procedures and services performed in an inpatient setting. It has over 87,000 codes and 17 sections that relate to the type of procedure being performed [4].

What is the ICD 10 code for Gastroparesis?

For gastroparesis and gastric paralysis, the general ICD-10 code is K31.84 (gastroparesis) [5]. The disorder is caused when the stomach fails to empty its gastric contents in a timely and efficient manner. Gastroparesis may also be attributed to systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus.

Gastroparesis ICD 10 code: K31.84

Gastroparesis ICD code K31.84 lookup

The ICD-10 code for gastroparesis is K31.84; there is no other code that can be listed.

Gastroparesis is a relatively rare disorder of the stomach wall that only affects about 24.2 in 100,000 people [6]. Only 10 in 100,000 men or about 40 in 100,000 women will have gastroparesis [7]. With that said, about 25% of adults in the US will have symptoms that are very similar to those of gastroparesis.

The following symptoms may indicate gastroparesis:

Feeling full right after starting a meal
Feeling full for a long time after eating a meal
Vomiting
Nausea
Heartburn
Lack of appetite
Excessive bloating and belching
Pain in the upper abdomen

The exact cause of gastroparesis isn’t precisely known. However, the disorder usually occurs when the vagus nerve gets damaged or stops working.

Female patients are more likely than males to get gastroparesis. This may be attributable to their estrogen levels. Estrogen modulates the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the primary source of nitric oxide, which regulates the GI tract motility. A chronic deficiency in estrogen can impair nNOS-mediated gastric motility, which can lead to gastroparesis [8].

Below is a look at some of the factors that can increase one’s risk of getting gastroparesis:

Surgery of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus
Diabetes
Infection from a virus
Using medications that can slow the rate of stomach emptying, such as narcotic pain medications
Scleroderma
Nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
Underactive thyroid
Patients who have received cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy of the chest or stomach area

Diagnosis of gastroparesis will require a physical exam, checking the patient's symptoms, as well as a number of medical tests. The goal of medical tests is to rule out any other health problems that may be causing these symptoms. Doctors will often require an endoscopy for a definite diagnosis.

During an endoscopy, the GI tract is observed with a flexible endoscope. Parts of the body, such as the esophagus and the duodenum, will be analyzed. The endoscope may also be used to collect tissue samples and provide therapy. The high

Gastric emptying tests will also be performed to see how fast the stomach empties its contents. The most common tests include scintigraphy and breath tests. During the test, patients be given a light meal, usually consisting of eggs dosed with a small amount of radioactive material.

A scanner is then used to detect the movement of the radioactive material to monitor the rate at which food empties the stomach. During a scintigraphy test, patients may be asked to stop taking medications that are known for slowing gastric emptying.

During a breast test, the patient consumes solid or liquid food that contains a substance that the body absorbs. This substance can be detected in the breath. Samples of the breast are collected over the course of a few hours, and the amount of substance detected is noted. The test reveals how fast the stomach empires after eating food by measuring the number of substances detected in the breath.

There is no cure for gastroparesis, and treatments are aimed at minimizing symptoms. Treatment for gastroparesis depends on a case-to-case basis. It is important to identify the primary cause of gastroparesis and try to stop it - such as diabetes.

For example, it may be easier to manage gastroparesis in patients by controlling their blood glucose levels.

Doctors will evaluate the severity of the patient’s symptoms and complications, as well as their response to various treatments.

Making changes to one’s diet may be important for treating gastroparesis. Patients may be asked to work with a dietitian who will help them find foods that are easier to digest. Common recommendations for diet changes include:

Eating smaller meals throughout the day
Chewing food more thoroughly
Eating properly cooked fruits and vegetables instead of eating them raw
Avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables
Eating foods that are low in fat
Prioritizing more liquids such as soups and pureed foods
Exercising
Taking multivitamins

Patients may also be prescribed medications for treating gastroparesis. Erythromycin may be preserved to stimulate motilin receptors in the GI tract. Benadryl and Zofran can be used to help with nausea and vomiting.

Surgery may be a last-resort option in cases where patients are unable to tolerate any type of food, including liquids. A feeding tube is placed in the small intestine to provide nutrition when the patient is unable to eat or drink safely. Another option is to use a gastric venting tube to relieve pressure from gastric contents.

In rare cases, patients may require an IV feeding tube to administer nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Gastroparesis disorders coded under K31.84

A K31.84 code can be used for the following terms that serve as approximate synonyms for gastroparesis:

Diabetes type 2 with gastroparesis
Gastroparesis due to type 2 diabetes mellitus
Gastroparesis syndrome

In other words, gastroparesis due to type 2 diabetes mellitus ICD 10, diabetes type 2 with gastroparesis ICD 10, and gastroparesis syndrome ICD 10 codes could all be K31.84 if they are determined to be characterized by incomplete paralysis of the muscles of the stomach walls. As a concrete example, a patient diagnosed with gastroparesis due to type 2 diabetes mellitus may be coded with K31.84.

The primary advantage of upgrading to the ICD-10 system is being able to track the medical conditions of patients in an organized and consistent manner. Doctors in different hospitals can compare and share data in a consistent manner to track various disorders.

There are a few disadvantages of the ICD-10. For one, it can be fairly expensive to upgrade from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 classification system because service providers often charge a premium.

Secondly, healthcare professionals and medical coders may be required to upgrade their certifications to be able to use ICD-10-CM codes. This often requires attending additional classes and seminars, as well as giving an exam. All of these can be expensive.

Types of disorders excluded from ICD-10 K31.84

The following types of disorders with overlapping symptoms are excluded from ICD-10 K31.84:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy (E10.43)

Also referred to as autonomic neuropathy due to type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetes type 1 with autonomic neuropathy, diabetes type 1 with gastroparesis, and diabetic gastroparesis associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy (E11.43)

Also referred to as Diabetes type 2 with gastroparesis, diabetes type 2 with neuropathy, diabetic autonomic neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic gastroparesis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis due to type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy (E08.43)

Drug or chemical-induced diabetes mellitus with neurological complications with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy (E09.43)

Also referred to as autonomic neuropathy due to drug-induced diabetes mellitus and drug-induced diabetes with autonomic neuropathy

Other specified diabetes mellitus with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy (E13.43)

Also referred to as autonomic neuropathy due to secondary diabetes mellitus and secondary diabetes w diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Conclusion

The ICD-10 code for gastroparesis is K31.84. It can be relatively difficult to diagnose gastroparesis because it requires a combination of medical tests as well as studying the patient's medical history. As such, it is important to visit a medical doctor to get diagnosed with gastroparesis.

The information provided in this article is meant for reference purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you believe you have symptoms of gastroparesis, you should make an appointment with a doctor at the earliest. You should also direct any questions you may have about gastroparesis to your doctor.