Esophageal varices with bleeding

This code signifies the presence of abnormally enlarged veins in the esophagus that are actively hemorrhaging. This condition is typically a complication of severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis, leading to portal hypertension. The bleeding can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical intervention.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates esophageal varices with active bleeding, often presenting as hematemesis or melena. This diagnosis is supported by endoscopic findings confirming variceal hemorrhage. It is crucial to differentiate active bleeding from a history of bleeding or varices without current hemorrhage.

• Ensure documentation specifies "with bleeding" to use this code; otherwise, consider I85.00 for esophageal varices without bleeding.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the bleeding is the reason for the encounter.
• Look for associated conditions like cirrhosis (K70.x, K74.x) which are often the underlying cause and should be coded secondarily.