ICD-10 Code K29.00 – Acute gastritis without bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K29.00 – Acute gastritis without bleeding
What it is
K29.00 identifies acute inflammation of the stomach lining without any documented bleeding. Use it when the record supports a sudden gastritis episode, but no hemorrhage is present.
Clinical signs
Common findings include epigastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K29.00 when the provider documents acute gastritis and specifically notes no bleeding. It also fits cases described as acute gastric inflammation, acute erosive gastritis without hemorrhage, or similar wording if bleeding is excluded.
If the note mentions upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hematemesis, or melena, this code is not appropriate. Check documentation when the chart does not clearly state whether bleeding is present.
Do not use for
Do not use K29.00 for chronic gastritis, gastritis with bleeding, or nonspecific abdominal pain alone. Check documentation if the record only says “gastritis” without an acute, nonbleeding description.
Coding tip
Always verify that the provider explicitly links gastritis to an acute episode and confirms no bleeding before assigning K29.00.