tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2020 Issue Q3

Reader Questions: Decipher Diagnosis for EGD Findings

Question: The surgeon performed an EGD and described the distal esophagus as “appearing like a ‘winding staircase.’” Based on this observation and the clinical presentation, the surgeon diagnosed “corkscrew esophagus.” What does that mean, and how should we code the diagnosis? SuperCoder Subscriber Answer: A “corkscrew esophagus” may occur as part of a diffuse esophageal spasm disorder. The physical manifestation appears as the surgeon’s note describes. If you look at the notes under K22.4 (Dyskinesia of esophagus), you’ll see that corkscrew esophagus is the first condition listed. Therefore, K22...

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