Is ICD-10-CM code K27 billable?

No, K27 (Peptic ulcer, site unspecified) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code K27 belong to?

K27 belongs to Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: K00–K95 (Diseases of the Digestive System).

K27Not billable, use a more specific code below

Peptic ulcer, site unspecified

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

9 billable codes under K27: 6 are an MCC, 1 is a CC; 4 map to HCC 78 (Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation).A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment. An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

gastroduodenal ulcer NOS
peptic ulcer NOS

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

peptic ulcer of newborn (P78.82)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

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

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 K27.

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)

All codes under K27

K27 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

K27 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under K27 group to these 8 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 380 Complicated Peptic Ulcer with MCC (5 of 9 codes)
DRG 381 Complicated Peptic Ulcer with CC (5 of 9 codes)
DRG 382 Complicated Peptic Ulcer without CC/MCC (5 of 9 codes)
DRG 377 Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage with MCC (4 of 9 codes)
DRG 378 Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage with CC (4 of 9 codes)
DRG 379 Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage without CC/MCC (4 of 9 codes)
DRG 383 Uncomplicated Peptic Ulcer with MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 384 Uncomplicated Peptic Ulcer without MCC (3 of 9 codes)

Other codes that refer to K27

Notes on these codes point to K27.

K25 Excludes1: peptic ulcer NOS (K27.-)
K26 Excludes1: peptic ulcer NOS (K27.-)
K63.3 Excludes1: peptic ulcer, site unspecified (K27.-)

About the condition

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

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. The pain:

Code history

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