ICD-10 K20
Non-Billable HeaderEsophagitis
About ICD-10-CM K20
ICD-10-CM code K20 represents Esophagitis. This is a non-billable header code in the Digestive System chapter (block K20). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM K20 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with K20. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- erosion of esophagus (K22.1-)
- esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-)
- reflux esophagitis (K21.0-)
- ulcerative esophagitis (K22.1-)
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of K20, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81)
Use Additional Code
When coding K20, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify:
- alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for K20
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list K20 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing K20.
1 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with K20
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To K20
Other codes in section K20-K31 (Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum).
ICD-10 K20, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code K20 billable? +
No, K20 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block K20 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for K20? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with K20): erosion of esophagus (K22.1-); esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-); reflux esophagitis (K21.0-)
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for K20? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81)
Get the full PayerReady toolkit
Free access to CPT/ICD-10 lookup, denial appeals, fee comparator, and claim auditing with credentialing enrollment.
Start free →Run this code through our claim audit tool
Check NCCI bundling, MUE limits, and modifier logic before submission.
Try the auditor →Did this page help?
Quick signal so we know what to improve.
If you want a code reference page that doesn't exist yet, email coding@payerready.com.
Tell us what's missing or wrong: coding@payerready.com. We respond within 5 business days.
Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
Powered by 11K CPT · 98K ICD-10 · 860K MPFS rates · 4.5M NCCI edits · 9.5M NPIs. Our data methodology · About our coding team