Search all medical codes
Gastrostomy status
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Gastrostomy Status (ICD Code: Z93.1)
Summary
- Gastrostomy status refers to the presence of an artificial opening in the stomach (gastrostomy), used for feeding patients who cannot ingest food orally.
Causes
- Gastrostomies are typically placed due to medical conditions that impair normal swallowing or digestion, such as neurological disorders, cancers, or severe esophageal injuries.
Risk Factors
- Conditions such as stroke, head and neck cancers, ALS, or severe developmental disabilities can increase the likelihood of requiring a gastrostomy.
Symptoms
- Gastrostomy itself does not cause symptoms, but underlying conditions may include difficulty swallowing, malnutrition, or recurrent aspiration.
Diagnosis
- The need for gastrostomy is often determined through clinical evaluation, swallowing studies, and nutritional assessments by healthcare providers.
Treatment Options
- Treatment is not traditionally aimed at the gastrostomy status itself, but rather at the underlying condition necessitating the gastrostomy.
- Proper care and management of the gastrostomy tube are essential to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent complications.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis depends on the underlying condition causing the need for gastrostomy.
- Regular follow-up is important to monitor nutritional status and tube functionality, along with periodic tube replacement.
Complications
- Potential complications include infection at the stoma site, tube dislodgement, and gastrointestinal issues such as blockages or irritation.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining hygiene around the gastrostomy site is crucial.
- Adhering to specific dietary recommendations and ensuring proper tube care can mitigate risks.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek medical attention if there is redness, swelling, or discharge at the tube site, difficulty in feeding, or any signs of infection or tube malfunction.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the documentation explicitly notes the presence of the gastrostomy, separate from the underlying condition.
- Avoid confusing the gastrostomy procedure itself with the status code Z93.1, which indicates the ongoing status post-procedure.