Bilious vomiting

This code describes the expulsion of stomach contents that contain bile, indicating a reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach and esophagus. It is a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis, often suggesting an underlying gastrointestinal issue.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "bilious vomiting" as a presenting symptom. This is commonly seen in conditions like bowel obstruction, pyloric stenosis (in infants), or other causes of impaired gastric emptying or duodenal reflux.

• Do not use this code as a primary diagnosis if a more specific underlying cause for the bilious vomiting is identified and documented.
• Always sequence this code after the definitive diagnosis when known, as it represents a symptom.
• Distinguish from non-bilious vomiting (e.g., clear, food particles, blood) which would be coded differently.