I85
Non-Billable

Esophageal varices

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Esophageal varices?

ICD-10-CM I85 is the diagnosis code for Esophageal varices. This code falls under the section "Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified" within Chapter 9 — Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for I85

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where I85 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 2 entries
I85.0Esophageal varicesNon-BillableI85.00Esophageal varices without bleedingBillableI85.01Esophageal varices with bleedingBillableI85.1Secondary esophageal varicesNon-BillableI85.10Secondary esophageal varices without bleedingBillableI85.11Secondary esophageal varices with bleedingBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is I85 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, I85 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does I85 mean?

I85 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Esophageal varices". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is I85 in?

I85 is located in Section I80-I89 — "Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified" within Chapter 9 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of I85?

I85 has 2 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: I85.0, I85.1.

When should I use I85?

Use I85 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Esophageal varices" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Esophageal varices?

The ICD-10-CM code for Esophageal varices is I85.

Can I85 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, I85 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is I85 in?

I85 is in Chapter 9 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is I85 valid for 2026?

Yes, I85 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousI83.93Asymptomatic varicose veins of bilateral lower extremitiesNext →I85.0Esophageal varices
Code Details
I85
Esophageal varices
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
9 — Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
I80-I89 — Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified
2026 ICD-10-CM