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ICD-10 Coding for Acalculous Cholecystitis(K82.A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acalculous Cholecystitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Gallbladder inflammation without stonesNon-calculous cholecystitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acalculous Cholecystitis

Diseases of gallbladder, biliary tract

Includes various gallbladder diseases, with K82 specifically covering acalculous conditions.

K82Primary Range

Other diseases of gallbladder

Primary range for acalculous cholecystitis, specifically K82.A.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acalculous cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Acalculous Cholecystitis

The ICD-10 code for acalculous cholecystitis is K82.A, used for cases without gallstones.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acalculous cholecystitis

Other specified diseases of gallbladder
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms absence of gallstones.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'acalculous cholecystitis' in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Acalculous cholecystitis

Excludes

  • Calculous cholecystitis (K80.00)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing gallbladder wall thickening without stones
  • Clinical symptoms of cholecystitis
  • No evidence of gallstones on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if stones are present
  • Incorrect use if documentation does not specify 'acalculous'

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'acalculous' to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use to document associated symptoms.

Acute pancreatitis

K85.9
Use if pancreatitis is concurrent.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Calculous cholecystitis

K80.00
Presence of gallstones on imaging differentiates it from acalculous cholecystitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acalculous Cholecystitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K82.A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Implement checklist for imaging reports

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging reports and documentation for absence of stones.

Impact

Using K81.0 instead of K82.A for acalculous cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'acalculous' and verify imaging findings.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acalculous Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acalculous Cholecystitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acalculous Cholecystitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

ICU patient with sepsis

Specialty: Critical Care

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging findings
  • Clinical assessment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

65M with sepsis, intubated, developed RUQ tenderness. Ultrasound: GB wall 5mm, no stones. Diagnosis: Acute acalculous cholecystitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has acute cholecystitis.
Good Documentation Example
Acute acalculous cholecystitis confirmed by ultrasound showing gallbladder wall thickening and no evidence of cholelithiasis.
Explanation
The good example specifies 'acalculous' and includes imaging findings, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acalculous Cholecystitis? Ask your questions below.

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