Vomiting without nausea

This code signifies the involuntary expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, occurring independently of the sensation of nausea. It indicates emesis that is not preceded or accompanied by the typical feeling of sickness or an urge to vomit.

This code is appropriate when documentation explicitly states "vomiting without nausea" or describes emesis where the patient denies any preceding or concurrent feeling of nausea. It is often used in cases of sudden onset vomiting, reflex vomiting, or when the etiology is not yet determined but nausea is specifically absent.

• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between vomiting without nausea and vomiting with nausea (R11.12) or unspecified nausea and vomiting (R11.2).
• Do not use this code if nausea is present, even if vomiting is the predominant symptom.
• Always code the underlying cause of the vomiting if known and documented, with this code potentially used as a secondary diagnosis if the "without nausea" aspect is clinically significant.