ICD-10 K20.9
Non-Billable HeaderEsophagitis, unspecified
About ICD-10-CM K20.9
ICD-10-CM code K20.9 represents Esophagitis, unspecified. This is a non-billable header code in the Digestive System chapter (block K20). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM K20.9 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.
Medicare LCD Coverage for K20.9
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list K20.9 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 K20.9.
1 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with K20.9
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
- 43235 Diagnostic EGD — abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, GERD, gastric ulcer, gastritis, hematemesis, melena, Barrett esophagus, dysphagia, esophagitis, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, polyp Gastroenterology
Convert K20.9 to ICD-9-CM
Per CMS General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
| ICD-10 | ICD-9 | Mapping Flags |
|---|---|---|
| K20.9 | 53010 | 10000 |
| K20.9 | 53012 | 10000 |
Flags format (5 digits): Approximate · No Map · Combination · Scenario · Choice List. Source: CMS 2017 GEMs (final version).
Codes Adjacent To K20.9
Other codes in section K20-K31 (Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum).
ICD-10 K20.9, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code K20.9 billable? +
No, K20.9 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block K20 when submitting claims.
What CPT codes are commonly billed with K20.9? +
Procedures frequently paired with K20.9 include: 43235.
What ICD-9 codes does K20.9 map to? +
Per CMS GEMs, K20.9 maps to ICD-9 codes: 53010, 53012. Useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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