All ICD10 Codes
K23Billable, valid for claims from October 1, 2026

Disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere

In Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum (K20-K31), chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System

  • K23 is billable and valid on claims for FY 2027. If the record has more detail, check the other codes under K20-K31 below.
  • As a secondary diagnosis it is not a CC or MCC, so it doesn't raise the MS-DRG payment.
  • Doesn't count toward a Medicare Advantage risk score (no HCC in V28).
  • AHRQ's Chronic Condition Indicator classes it as not chronic (an acute or short-term condition).
  • Can't be the principal diagnosis: code the underlying condition first. (Manifestation list)

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Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

Code first: code the underlying condition first, then this code

  • underlying disease, such as:
  • congenital syphilis (A50.5)

Also applies, from Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum (K20-K31)

These notes sit on K20-K31 and apply to every code under it, including K23.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • hiatus hernia (K44.-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 11 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.11 (page 58)

Other codes under K20-K31

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum (K20-K31)

K23 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, K23 groups to MS-DRG 391 or 392 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Related conditions

Grouped by AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software Refined (CCSR), which sorts every diagnosis code into clinically meaningful categories.

K23 is in Esophageal disorders (DIG004), with 27 codes. Others in it:

  • B37.81 Candidal esophagitis
  • B57.31 Megaesophagus in Chagas' disease
  • K20.0 Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • K20.80 Other esophagitis without bleeding
  • K20.81 Other esophagitis with bleeding
  • K20.90 Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding
  • K20.91 Esophagitis, unspecified with bleeding
  • K21.00 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding

Medicare coverage articles listing K23

This Medicare billing and coding article lists K23 as a diagnosis that supports medical necessity for the services they cover. From the CMS Medicare Coverage Database; check your own contractor's article before billing.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Esophagus Disorders

Esophagus disorders are problems with how your esophagus works. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. You usually don't notice it unless you swallow something too big, hot, or cold. You might also notice it if something is wrong. When that happens, you might feel pain or have trouble swallowing (dysphagia).

Read more about esophagus disorders on MedlinePlus

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Legacy crosswalk from the CMS General Equivalence Mappings (last updated 2018).

  • 530.89 Other specified disorders of esophagus (approximate)
ICD-9 to ICD-10 converter