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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

K22.1Ulcer of esophagus

Not billable — use a more specific code

K22.1 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 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 K22.1

K22.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for ulcer of esophagus. It belongs to category K22 (other diseases of esophagus), 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 2 subcodes must be used instead.

Within K22 (other diseases of esophagus), K22.1 is specifically for ulcer of esophagus. Related codes cover Achalasia of cardia (K22.0), esophageal obstruction (K22.2), perforation of esophagus (K22.3), dyskinesia of esophagus (K22.4), diverticulum of esophagus, acquired (K22.5), Gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome (K22.6), Barrett's esophagus (K22.7), other specified diseases of esophagus (K22.8) and 1 more.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: K22.10 (without bleeding) and K22.11 (with bleeding).

Don't report K22.1 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: Barrett's esophagus (K22.7-).

Code first: poisoning due to drug or toxin, if applicable (T36-T65 with fifth or sixth character 1-4).

Use an additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).

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 K22.1

Coding notes

Applicable toConditions and synonyms classified to this code
  • Barrett's ulcer
  • Erosion of esophagus
  • Fungal ulcer of esophagus
  • Peptic ulcer of esophagus
  • Ulcer of esophagus due to ingestion of chemicals
  • Ulcer of esophagus due to ingestion of drugs and medicaments
  • Ulcerative esophagitis
Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
Code firstSequence the underlying condition first
  • poisoning due to drug or toxin, if applicable (T36-T65 with fifth or sixth character 1-4)
Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to K22.1.

› From K22 Other diseases of esophagus
Excludes2
  • esophageal varices (I85.-)

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

Codes whose notes reference K22.1

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 K22.1

Is K22.1 billable?

No. K22.1 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.