ICD-10 Code K20.90 – Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K20.90 – Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding
What it is
K20.90 identifies inflammation of the esophagus when the type is not specified and there is no documented bleeding. Use it when the record says esophagitis but does not name a specific cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, or reflux-related irritation, but the note should support an esophagitis diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents esophagitis without naming reflux, infectious, eosinophilic, or medication-related causes, and no bleeding is noted. It also fits nonspecific inflammation of the esophagus when the chart lacks a more precise diagnosis. If the cause is identified, code that condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use K20.90 when the record documents esophagitis with bleeding, because a different code applies. Also avoid it for a clearly specified esophagitis type or when the note only describes reflux symptoms without a diagnosis.
Coding tip
Check documentation for the cause and whether bleeding is present before assigning this unspecified code.