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ICD-10 Coding for Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction(K80.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cholelithiasis without CholecystitisNon-obstructive Gallstones

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction

K80-K87Primary Range

Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas

This range includes all codes related to gallbladder and biliary tract disorders, including gallstones.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for gallstones without cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction

The ICD-10 code for gallstones without cholecystitis and without obstruction is K80.20.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction

Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Gallstones present without inflammation or obstruction

documentation Criteria

  • Ultrasound findings and normal LFTs

Applicable To

  • Gallstones without inflammation
  • Non-obstructive cholelithiasis

Excludes

  • Acute cholecystitis with obstruction (K80.00)
  • Gallstones with obstruction (K80.21)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound shows gallstones with gallbladder wall thickness ≤3mm
  • No pericholecystic fluid or duct dilation
  • Normal liver function tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if inflammation or obstruction is present
  • Incorrect billing if symptoms are not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of inflammation and obstruction.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use when pain is a significant symptom requiring clinical attention.

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Z87.448
Use if there is a history of gallstones or related digestive conditions.

Differential Codes

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

Acute cholecystitis with gallstones

K80.00
Presence of fever, elevated WBC, and gallbladder wall thickening

Gallstones with obstruction

K80.21
Imaging shows duct dilation or elevated bilirubin

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K80.20.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Could result in audit findings for insufficient documentation., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies absence of inflammation., Use templates to guide thorough documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm stone location and absence of obstruction through imaging before coding.

Impact

Risk of audit if documentation does not clearly state absence of inflammation or obstruction.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and checklists to ensure complete 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 Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Ultrasound diagnosis of gallstones

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Gallbladder wall thickness
  • Presence of stones
  • Duct dilation
  • Pericholecystic fluid

Example Documentation

Ultrasound shows 3 non-obstructing gallstones, gallbladder wall 2mm, no pericholecystic fluid.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gallstones noted on ultrasound.
Good Documentation Example
Ultrasound shows 3 non-obstructing gallstones (largest 8mm), gallbladder wall 2mm, no pericholecystic fluid.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details supporting the absence of inflammation and obstruction.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Gallbladder Stones without Inflammation or Obstruction? Ask your questions below.

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