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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

K20Esophagitis

Not billable — use a more specific code

K20 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About K20

K20 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for esophagitis. It belongs to block K20-K31 (diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and chapter 11 (diseases of the digestive system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 3 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: K20.0 (esophagitis), K20.8 (esophagitis) and K20.9 (unspecified).

Don't report K20 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: erosion of esophagus (K22.1-), esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-), reflux esophagitis (K21.0-) and ulcerative esophagitis (K22.1-).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of K20, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81).

Use an additional code to identify: alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under K20

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • erosion of esophagus (K22.1-)
  • esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-)
  • reflux esophagitis (K21.0-)
  • ulcerative esophagitis (K22.1-)
Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist
  • eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81)
Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to K20.

Broader instructions also apply from K20-K31 Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum and Chapter 11: Diseases of the digestive system.

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about K20

Is K20 billable?

No. K20 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.