Hematemesis

This code represents the vomiting of blood, indicating bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The blood may appear bright red, dark red, or resemble coffee grounds, depending on the source and duration of the bleeding. Hematemesis is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and often signifies a serious underlying condition.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states the patient is experiencing hematemesis. This symptom is frequently associated with conditions such as peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, gastritis, or Mallory-Weiss tears. Supporting documentation should clearly describe the presence of blood in vomitus.

• Always code the underlying cause of the hematemesis first, if known and documented.
• Do not confuse hematemesis with hemoptysis (coughing up blood) or melena (black, tarry stools).
• Look for specific details regarding the amount, color, and frequency of the hematemesis to support clinical severity.