K20
Non-Billable

Esophagitis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Esophagitis?

ICD-10-CM K20 is the diagnosis code for Esophagitis. This code falls under the section "Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum" within Chapter 11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95). 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.

⛔ Excludes1
â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for K20

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as K20. They are mutually exclusive:

  • erosion of esophagus (K22.1-)
  • esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-)
  • reflux esophagitis (K21.0-)
  • ulcerative esophagitis (K22.1-)

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in K20. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where K20 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 3 entries
K20.0Eosinophilic esophagitisBillableK20.8Other esophagitisNon-BillableK20.80Other esophagitis without bleedingBillableK20.81Other esophagitis with bleedingBillableK20.9Esophagitis, unspecifiedNon-BillableK20.90Esophagitis, unspecified without bleedingBillableK20.91Esophagitis, unspecified with bleedingBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is K20 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, K20 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does K20 mean?

K20 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Esophagitis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is K20 in?

K20 is located in Section K20-K31 — "Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of K20?

K20 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K20.0, K20.8, K20.9.

When should I use K20?

Use K20 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Esophagitis" 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 Esophagitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Esophagitis is K20.

Can K20 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, K20 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is K20 in?

K20 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from K20?

Type 1 Excludes for K20 include: erosion of esophagus (K22.1-); esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-); reflux esophagitis (K21.0-) and more.

Is K20 valid for 2026?

Yes, K20 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousK14.9Disease of tongue, unspecifiedNext →K20.0Eosinophilic esophagitis
Code Details
K20
Esophagitis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
K20-K31 — Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
2026 ICD-10-CM