K20.9 – Esophagitis, unspecified

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code K20.9

Code: K20.9 (claims format: K209)
Description: Esophagitis, unspecified
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 11. Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
Block: K20-K31 Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Parent codes: K20

Billable codes under K20.9

K20.9 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

K20.90 – Esophagitis, unspecified without bleedingBillable
K20.91 – Esophagitis, unspecified with bleedingBillable

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

K20 – Esophagitis

Excludes1 (not coded here):

erosion of esophagus (K22.1-)
esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (K21.0-)
reflux esophagitis (K21.0-)
ulcerative esophagitis (K22.1-)

Excludes2 (not included here):

eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis (K52.81)

Use additional code:

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Block K20-K31

Excludes2 (not included here):

hiatus hernia (K44.-)

Related codes in K20

K20.0 – Eosinophilic esophagitisBillable
K20.8 – Other esophagitisHeader

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code K20.9?

K20.9 is the ICD-10-CM code for esophagitis, unspecified, in the block K20-K31 (Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum).

Is K20.9 a billable code?

No. K20.9 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does K20.9 belong to?

It belongs to category K20 – Esophagitis.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.