Diseases of the digestive system

This chapter covers conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and accessory digestive organs. It includes diseases of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and peritoneum. Common diagnoses include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, appendicitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Liver diseases, including hepatitis (non-infectious classifications), fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver failure, are significant components.
The chapter differentiates acute vs. chronic presentations and includes complication coding such as bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. Digestive disorders may range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies like bowel obstruction or liver failure. Coding often supports surgical interventions, endoscopic procedures, and long-term disease management. Because nutrition and metabolism depend on digestive health, disorders in this chapter frequently intersect with endocrine and metabolic diseases.