ICD-10 Code K22.81 – Esophageal Polyp (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K22.81 – Esophageal polyp
What it is
K22.81 identifies a polyp arising in the esophagus. Use it when documentation describes a discrete esophageal polyp, usually found on endoscopy or pathology.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Esophageal polyps may be incidental findings or associated with dysphagia, reflux symptoms, regurgitation, or a visible endoscopic lesion.
When to use this code
Use K22.81 when the provider documents an esophageal polyp as the confirmed diagnosis. It is appropriate for endoscopy, pathology, or follow-up notes that specifically identify a polyp in the esophagus. If the record only says “esophageal lesion” or “mass,” check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for polyps in the stomach, pharynx, or other GI sites. If the finding is a nonspecific esophageal abnormality without a documented polyp, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the documented site exactly; esophageal location matters when the report distinguishes it from nearby upper GI findings.