ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code I85.11: Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding

I85.11 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents secondary esophageal varices with bleeding in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
9Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
block
I80-I89Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified
category
I85Esophageal varices
category
I85.1Secondary esophageal varices
currentI85.1

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

CardiologistGeneral Physician

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 43235high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43270high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) (INCLUDES PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43244high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BAND LIGATION OF ESOPHAGEAL/GASTRIC VARICES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43239high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43255high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH CONTROL OF BLEEDING, ANY METHOD
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43233high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH DILATION OF ESOPHAGUS WITH BALLOON (30 MM DIAMETER OR LARGER) (INCLUDES FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDANCE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeI85.11
SystemICD10
Display nameSecondary esophageal varices with bleeding
ChapterDiseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
BlockDiseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Hemorrhage, hemorrhagic(concealed)Varix(lower limb)Varix(lower limb)Varix(lower limb)Varix(lower limb)Varix(lower limb)Varix(lower limb)

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code I85.11 for Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding | HealthAssure