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ICD-10 Coding for Biliary Stricture(K83.1, K83.9)

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

Also known as:

Bile Duct StrictureCholangiostenosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Biliary Stricture

K80-K87Primary Range

Diseases of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas

This range includes codes for biliary tract diseases, including biliary stricture.

Other diseases of biliary tract

This specific range includes the primary code for biliary stricture.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K83.1Obstruction of bile ductUse when imaging and clinical findings confirm a benign or non-malignant obstruction of the bile duct.
  • Imaging confirmation (MRCP/ERCP)
  • Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
  • Symptoms such as jaundice and pruritus
K83.9Disease of biliary tract, unspecifiedUse only when no specific diagnosis can be confirmed.
  • Use only when specific diagnosis cannot be determined after full workup.

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 biliary stricture

Essential facts and insights about Biliary Stricture

The ICD-10 code for biliary stricture is K83.1, used for benign or non-malignant obstructions of the bile duct.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for biliary stricture

Obstruction of bile duct
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows smooth tapering stricture without mass.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented elevated liver function tests and absence of malignancy.

Applicable To

  • Benign biliary stricture
  • Post-surgical biliary stricture

Excludes

  • Malignant neoplasm of bile duct (C24.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation (MRCP/ERCP)
  • Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
  • Symptoms such as jaundice and pruritus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with malignant conditions
  • Inadequate documentation of stricture location and etiology

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the benign nature of the stricture and any related procedures.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified postprocedural states

Z98.89
Use for post-surgical strictures, especially post-liver transplant.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant neoplasm of extrahepatic bile duct

C24.1
Use when biopsy or imaging confirms malignancy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Biliary Stricture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K83.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical records., Regulatory: May trigger audits due to lack of specificity., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to non-specific coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive diagnostic workup before coding., Use specific codes whenever possible.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can result in audit issues., Data Quality: Impacts clinical data accuracy and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy and imaging confirm the absence of malignancy before coding as K83.1.

Impact

Failure to document specific stricture details can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized documentation templates.

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 Biliary Stricture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Biliary Stricture

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

Benign biliary stricture post-cholecystectomy

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory tests
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

56F with 3-week history of pruritus and clay-colored stools. MRCP reveals 1.8 cm concentric stricture at CHD with abrupt cutoff. ERCP with brush cytology negative for malignancy. Final Dx: Benign anastomotic stricture post-cholecystectomy (K83.1, Z90.1). Plan: Serial stenting every 8 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Biliary stricture noted.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm smooth stricture mid-CBD with upstream dilation (12 mm), ERCP-confirmed, no mass.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on stricture location, size, and diagnostic confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Biliary Stricture? Ask your questions below.

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