Annette Brehl, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P • February 24, 2026

Technology Code for Capsule Detection of Upper GI Bleed 

Overview of the PillSense Capsule Technology 

Rapid identification of gastrointestinal bleeding is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely clinical management. The PillSense capsule enables reliable detection of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in less than 15 minutes. 

 

The PillSense system consists of a single-use, ingestible capsule and an external real-time receiver and does not require special patient preparation. The wireless capsule employs spectrophotometry—measuring light absorption across multiple visible wavelengths—to analyze gastric contents for the presence or absence of blood. The patient swallows the capsule with water and then lies on their left side while the external receiver remains nearby. Within approximately 10 minutes, the receiver displays one of two results: “Blood Detected” or “No Blood Detected.” The capsule is naturally excreted through the digestive process. 

 

Documentation Terminology to Look For 

Provider documentation identifying this procedure may reference the PillSense system, GI bleed detection capsule, blood detection capsule, or similar terminology. 

 

ICD-10-PCS Code Assignment (Effective October 1, 2025) 

Effective October 1, 2025, assign New Technology code XDJ07LB – Inspection of Upper Intestinal Tract using Ingestible Capsule with Light Absorption Sensor, Via Natural or Artificial Opening, New Technology Goup 11, for the PillSense Ingestible Wireless Capsule. 

 

Practical Coding Tip: Applying the New Technology Code 

When reviewing documentation for suspected upper GI bleeding, verify whether the provider is describing diagnostic visualization (such as endoscopy) or specifically referencing an ingestible capsule system like PillSense. The terminology may vary, so carefully review the procedure description for references to capsule ingestion, spectrophotometry, light absorption detection, or real-time external receiver results. 

 

Key points to confirm in the documentation: 

  • The procedure involves an ingestible capsule used for upper GI bleed detection 
  • The capsule uses light absorption or spectrophotometry technology 
  • The procedure is diagnostic inspection, not therapeutic intervention 
  • The capsule system corresponds to the PillSense technology described 

 

If these elements are present, assign XDJ07LB – Inspection of Upper Intestinal Tract using Ingestible Capsule with Light Absorption Sensor, Via Natural or Artificial Opening, New Technology Group 11. 

 

If documentation is unclear regarding the type of capsule used or the technology applied, consider a query to ensure accurate assignment of the New Technology code. 



Annette Brehl, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, Senior Consultant, Quality

Annette Brehl, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P 

Senior Consultant, Quality 


Annette Brehl is an Inpatient Coding Auditor and Educator at UASI, known for elevating coding quality through in-depth documentation analysis, a strong command of regulatory and coding guidelines, and targeted education. She shares coding tips informed by audit findings that help coders strengthen their accuracy, consistency, and confidence. 



Works Cited:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting Materials, Spring 2025: ICD-10-PCS Topic Slides. Available at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes/icd-10-coordination-maintenance-committee-materials/2025-03-14-icd10-meeting-materials

 

American Hospital Association. (2025). New technology code for ingestible capsule GI bleed detection. AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS, Fourth Quarter 2025, pp. 68–69.

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