Esophageal varices without mention of bleeding

This code identifies the presence of abnormally enlarged veins in the esophagus, typically a consequence of portal hypertension. These varices are noted as not actively bleeding at the time of diagnosis or encounter.

Apply this code when documentation confirms esophageal varices without any indication of hemorrhage. This is often seen in patients with chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) undergoing screening endoscopy or surveillance for known varices. Supporting documentation includes endoscopy reports, physician notes, or imaging studies confirming varices without active bleeding.

• Do not use this code if there is any mention of active bleeding; a different code for bleeding esophageal varices would be appropriate.
• Always code the underlying cause of the portal hypertension (e.g., cirrhosis) as the primary diagnosis, if known and applicable.
• Distinguish carefully between "without mention of bleeding" and "without bleeding" – the former implies no documentation of bleeding, while the latter explicitly states no bleeding was present.