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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Calculous Cholecystitis(K80.00, K80.01)

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

Also known as:

Gallbladder Inflammation with StonesAcute Gallstone Cholecystitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Calculous Cholecystitis

K80.0-K80.1Primary Range

Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis

This range includes codes for acute cholecystitis with and without obstruction.

Complications of gallbladder such as gangrene and perforation

These codes are used for complications associated with acute cholecystitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K80.00Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstructionUse when gallstones are present without evidence of obstruction.
  • Ultrasound showing gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening
  • Positive Murphy’s sign
K80.01Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis with obstructionUse when gallstones cause obstruction.
  • Imaging showing gallstone obstruction
  • Elevated bilirubin levels

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute calculous cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Acute Calculous Cholecystitis

The ICD-10 code for acute calculous cholecystitis without obstruction is K80.00, and with obstruction is K80.01.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute calculous cholecystitis

Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of gallstones without obstruction

Applicable To

  • Acute cholecystitis with gallstones without obstruction

Excludes

  • Cholecystitis without gallstones (K81.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound showing gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening
  • Positive Murphy’s sign

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if obstruction is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of obstruction.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant abdominal pain

R10.11
Use to document associated symptoms.

Gangrene of gallbladder

K82.A1
Use if necrotizing cholecystitis is present.

Differential Codes

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

Cholecystitis, unspecified

K81.9
Use when gallstones are not confirmed.

Obstructive cholangitis

K83.1
Use when bile duct infection is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Calculous Cholecystitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K80.00.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough review of imaging reports, Clear documentation of clinical findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging confirms absence of obstruction before using K80.00.

Impact

Inadequate documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all imaging and clinical findings are documented.

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 Acute Calculous Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Calculous Cholecystitis

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

Acute cholecystitis with gallstones

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute RUQ pain, positive Murphy’s sign, ultrasound shows gallstones with wall thickening.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has gallbladder pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute RUQ pain, fever, ultrasound shows gallstones and wall thickening.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results.

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

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