Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

What's a Duodenal Ulcer?

Published on Tue Feb 14, 2012

A duodenal ulcer is one form of peptic ulcer that is caused by gastric acids eroding the protective mucus layer in the duodenum. The commonest causes of a duodenal ulcer are infections caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Ulcers can also be caused when a person is on certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).The risk of a duodenal ulcer increases if the person is suffering from severe stress or has habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol intake, although these factors are not directly involved in the cause of duodenal ulcers.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All