Gastroparesis – Causes, Symptoms and ICD-10 Coding

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2. Gastroparesis – Causes, Symptoms and ICD-10 Coding A chronic medical condition, gastroparesis affects the normal spontaneous movement (motility) of the muscles in the stomach. According to reports about five million people in the United States are living with the symptoms of gastroparesis (2021 statistics). Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men. There is no specific cure for this gastrointestinal disorder. However, following a balanced diet along with medications can help control the symptoms. For correct documentation and claim submission for this chronic gastrointestinal disorder, physicians can consider partnering with a professional medical billing company. Causes and Symptoms of Gastroparesis Diabetes is considered the primary cause of Gastroparesis. Acid reflux, stomach pain, abdominal bloating, and delayed stomach emptying can also be triggered by certain medications like antidepressants, narcotics, allergy medicines, opioid pain relievers, and high blood pressure medications. Additionally, viral and bacterial infections can contribute to the development of gastroparesis. Other potential condition that can lead to gastroparesis, include hypothyroidism, nervous system complications such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, and connective tissue disorders (such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis) Primary symptoms of this gastrointestinal disorder include: •Heartburn •Vomiting and nausea •Loss of appetite •Feeling of fullness (after eating just a few bites) •Changes in blood sugar levels •Abdominal pain and bloating •Weight loss and malnutrition Diagnosis of gastroparesis may involve diagnostic tests like – •Gastric emptying study •Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy •Ultrasound •Upper gastrointestinal series •Breath test •Gastric manometry •Small intestine X-ray www.outsourcestrategies.com (800) 670-2809

3. •CT scan •MRI scan Treatment for this gastric condition may include a combination of dietary changes, medication and endoscopic treatment. ICD-10 Code for Gastroparesis The ICD-10 code to report gastroparesis is K31.84. Gastroenterology medical Gastroenterologists need to be appropriately reimbursed for services provided to patients. The diagnosis, screening tests and other procedures must be carefully documented using the appropriate medical codes. billing and coding can be challenging. Accurate documentation is crucial for establishing medical necessity, ensuring successful billing and correct coding. Failure to adequately demonstrate medical necessity can result in denials and rejections of authorizations for diagnostic studies, medications, lab tests, and other procedures. Both commercial payers and Medicare typically have local coverage determinations (LCDs) in place for testing and various procedures. These LCDs include officially accepted diagnosis codes, as well as restrictions and indications for coverage (billing- coding.com). Medical billing and coding outsourcing to an experienced medical billing company can provide access to the services of qualified billers and coders. These experts can ensure accurate coding, reduce claim denials, ensure clean claim submission, and maximize reimbursement for gastroenterologist’s practices. www.outsourcestrategies.com (800) 670-2809