ICD-10 Coding for Acute Cholecystitis(K81.0, K80.00)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Cholecystitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Cholecystitis
K80-K81Primary Range
Diseases of the gallbladder
This range includes codes for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, which are directly related to acute cholecystitis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K81.0 | Acute cholecystitis | Use when acute cholecystitis is confirmed without gallstones. |
|
| K80.00 | Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction | Use when gallstones are present with acute cholecystitis. |
|
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 cholecystitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Cholecystitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute cholecystitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and imaging confirmation
Applicable To
- Acute inflammation of the gallbladder
Excludes
- Chronic cholecystitis (K81.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive Murphy's sign
- Elevated WBC count
- Imaging confirmation of gallbladder inflammation
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if gallstones are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and excludes gallstones.
K80.00 - Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction
Use when gallstones are present with acute cholecystitis.
Applicable To
- Gallstones causing acute inflammation
Excludes
- Chronic cholecystitis (K81.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Gallstones on imaging
- Acute inflammation signs
Coding Notes
Ensure gallstones are documented in imaging.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Cholecystitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K81.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific clinical terms, Include imaging results
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation to use specific codes like K81.0 or K80.00.
Impact
Failure to document gallstones can lead to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging findings are included in documentation.
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 Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Cholecystitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Cholecystitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute cholecystitis with gallstones
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Clinical symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Lab results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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