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ICD-10 Coding for Acute on Chronic Cholecystitis(K81.2, K80.0-)

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

Also known as:

Acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitisChronic cholecystitis with acute exacerbation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute on Chronic Cholecystitis

K80-K81Primary Range

Diseases of gallbladder and biliary tract

This range includes codes for cholecystitis and gallbladder diseases, relevant for coding acute on chronic cholecystitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K81.2Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitisUse when acute and chronic cholecystitis are documented without the presence of stones.
  • Documentation of acute and chronic inflammation
  • Imaging showing gallbladder wall thickening and no stones
K80.0-Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitisUse when stones are present with acute cholecystitis.
  • Imaging confirming presence of gallstones
  • Documentation of acute inflammation

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 on chronic cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Acute on Chronic Cholecystitis

The ICD-10 code for acute on chronic cholecystitis without stones is K81.2. Use K80.0- if stones are present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute on chronic cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute and chronic inflammation without stones

coding Criteria

  • Use K81.2 only when no stones are present

Applicable To

  • Acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis

Excludes

  • Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis (K80.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of acute and chronic inflammation
  • Imaging showing gallbladder wall thickening and no stones

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when stones are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute on chronic' and confirms absence of stones.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis

K80.0-
Use when stones are present with acute cholecystitis.

Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis

K81.2
Use K81.2 when no stones are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute on Chronic Cholecystitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K81.2.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit risk., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review imaging and documentation carefully, Ensure correct code selection based on presence of stones

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential overpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K80.0- instead when stones are present.

Impact

Coding K81.2 instead of K80.0- when stones are present.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough review of imaging and 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 on Chronic Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute on Chronic Cholecystitis

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

Acute on chronic cholecystitis without stones

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with RUQ pain and fever. Ultrasound shows gallbladder wall thickening, no stones. Diagnosis: Acute on chronic cholecystitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cholecystitis noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute on chronic cholecystitis confirmed by ultrasound, no stones present.
Explanation
The good example specifies both acute and chronic components and confirms the absence of stones.

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

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