ICD-10 Code K29.50 – Unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K29.50 – Unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding
What it is
K29.50 identifies chronic inflammation of the stomach lining when the type is not specified and there is no bleeding. Use it when the record supports chronic gastritis but does not name a more specific form.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common notes may include persistent epigastric discomfort, nausea, indigestion, or endoscopic evidence of chronic gastric inflammation without hemorrhage.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents chronic gastritis and explicitly states that bleeding is absent, but does not identify a more specific subtype. It also fits cases where the condition is chronic and the chart lacks further detail. Check documentation if the note is ambiguous about acute versus chronic disease.
Do not use for
Do not use K29.50 if the record describes acute gastritis, gastritis with bleeding, or a more specific chronic gastritis code. If the documentation is unclear, check documentation rather than guessing.
Coding tip
Confirm both “chronic” and “without bleeding” in the provider note before assigning K29.50.