ICD-10 Code K22.6 – Gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K22.6 – Gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome
What it is
K22.6 identifies a tear at the gastroesophageal junction that causes upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often after forceful vomiting or retching. It is commonly called Mallory-Weiss syndrome.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include hematemesis after repeated retching, vomiting, or severe coughing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for endoscopic confirmation or evidence of a mucosal laceration.
When to use this code
Use K22.6 when the record documents a gastroesophageal mucosal tear with bleeding. It may be assigned after endoscopy or when the provider clearly states Mallory-Weiss syndrome or a laceration-hemorrhage at the gastroesophageal junction.
Code it only when the bleeding source is identified as this lesion. Check documentation if the note only describes nonspecific vomiting, gastritis, or hematemesis without a documented tear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for upper GI bleeding without documentation of a laceration. It is also not the correct code for esophageal varices, peptic ulcer bleeding, or vomiting alone.
Coding tip
Look for the provider’s explicit diagnosis of Mallory-Weiss tear or gastroesophageal laceration before assigning K22.6.