ICD-10-CM anatomy refresher: The digestive system

Why This Topic Matters

Digestive-system diagnoses are common and often involve multiple anatomic sites, related conditions, and updates to the diagnosis code set. This article helps readers understand the clinical context behind digestive conditions and stay aware of changes that affect ICD-10-CM reporting.

Article Sections

1. Digestive anatomy

   Introduces the major structures of the digestive system and separates the tract from accessory organs. Covers the general roles of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, small intestine, and large intestine.

2. ICD-10-CM coding for common digestive conditions

   Reviews selected digestive conditions and their relationship to ICD-10-CM diagnosis classification. Discusses several common disease groupings affecting different parts of the digestive system and accessory organs.

3. New ICD-10-CM codes for 2021

   Summarizes upcoming ICD-10-CM additions for Chapter 11 effective October 1. Includes updates related to esophageal, reflux, intestinal, and hepatic fibrosis categories.