ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for esophagitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Esophagitis (acute) (alkaline) (chemical) (chronic) (infectional) (necrotic) (peptic) (postoperative) (without bleeding)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding esophagitis
The ICD-10-CM code for esophagitis is K20.90 (Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding). The official index lists 12 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K20.90.
Within K20.9, choose K20.90 (without bleeding) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: with bleeding (K20.91).
Use an additional code to identify: alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific esophagitis codes (official index)
- with bleeding K20.91 — Esophagitis, unspecified with bleeding
- candidal B37.81 — Candidal esophagitis
- due to gastrointestinal reflux disease (without bleeding) K21.00 — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding
- with bleeding K21.01 — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, with bleeding
- eosinophilic K20.0 — Eosinophilic esophagitis
- reflux K21.00 — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding
- with bleeding K21.01 — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, with bleeding
- specified NEC (without bleeding) K20.80 — Other esophagitis without bleeding
- with bleeding K20.81 — Other esophagitis with bleeding
- tuberculous A18.83 — Tuberculosis of digestive tract organs, not elsewhere classified
- ulcerative K22.10 — Ulcer of esophagus without bleeding
- with bleeding K22.11 — Ulcer of esophagus with bleeding
Common questions about esophagitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for esophagitis?
- K20.90 — Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K20.91, B37.81, K21.00, K21.01 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for candidal esophagitis?
- B37.81 — Candidal esophagitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for eosinophilic esophagitis?
- K20.0 — Eosinophilic esophagitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for reflux esophagitis?
- K21.00 — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding.
What is the ICD-10 code for tuberculous esophagitis?
- A18.83 — Tuberculosis of digestive tract organs, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for ulcerative esophagitis?
- K22.10 — Ulcer of esophagus without bleeding.
Is K20.90 billable?
- Yes. K20.90 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K20.90 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K20.90 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K20.90 a CC or MCC?
- No. K20.90 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.