K21 ICD 10 Code is a non-billable and non-specific code and should not be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. There are other codes below it with greater level of diagnosis detail. The 2023 edition of the American ICD-10-CM code became effective on October 1, 2022.

Type 1 excludes for K21 ICD 10 code
  • newborn esophageal reflux (P78.83)

Codes
Possible back-references that may be applicable or related to K21 ICD10 Code:

Present On Admission (POA Exempt)

K21 ICD 10 code is considered exempt from POA reporting

Clinical information about K21 ICD 10 code

Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it.

You may feel a burning in the chest or throat called heartburn. Sometimes, you can taste stomach fluid in the back of the mouth. If you have these symptoms more than twice a week, you may have GERD. You can also have GERD without having heartburn. Your symptoms could include a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing.

Anyone, including infants and children, can have GERD. If not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms by:

  • Avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty or acidic foods that trigger heartburn
  • Eating smaller meals
  • Not eating close to bedtime
  • Losing weight if needed
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothes

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The information in this box was provided by MedlinePlus.gov