What is the ICD-10 code for odynophagia?

Odynophagia does not have a specific ICD-10 code. It is coded based on the underlying cause, such as K20.0 for eosinophilic esophagitis or B37.0 for candidal esophagitis, with R07.1 for chest pain on swallowing.

How do you code odynophagia when the cause is unknown?

When the cause of odynophagia is unknown, use the symptom code R07.1 for chest pain on swallowing.

ICD-10 Coding for Odynophagia(K20.0, B37.0, J02.0)

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Learn how to accurately code odynophagia using ICD-10, focusing on underlying causes and symptom codes. Ensure compliance and optimize reimbursement.

Also known as:

Painful swallowing

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Odynophagia

K00-K95Primary Range

Diseases of the digestive system

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
K20.0	Eosinophilic esophagitis	Use when eosinophilic esophagitis is confirmed as the cause of odynophagia.	Confirmed by esophageal biopsy showing ≥15 eosinophils/HPF
B37.0	Candidal esophagitis	Use when candidal infection is confirmed as the cause of odynophagia.	Positive fungal culture or biopsy
R07.1	Chest pain on swallowing	Use when odynophagia is present and the underlying cause is not identified.	Patient reports pain specifically during swallowing

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Eosinophilic esophagitis

K20.0Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitisK21.9

Streptococcal pharyngitisJ02.0

Dysphagia, unspecifiedR13.10

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Odynophagia.

Documenting 'odynophagia' without specifying the cause.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Always include diagnostic findings., Use specific terminology for underlying conditions.

Using R13.1- series for odynophagia

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement if symptom code is primary., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Use symptom code R07.1 and code the underlying cause if known.

Symptom Coding without Etiology

Impact

Using symptom codes as primary without identifying the underlying cause.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough documentation of diagnostic tests and findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with K20.0.

Primary Code

K20.0

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes7

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Odynophagia(K20.0, B37.0, J02.0)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for odynophagia?

How do you code odynophagia when the cause is unknown?

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