ICD-10 Coding for Cholangitis(K80.3, K83.01, K83.09)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cholangitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cholangitis
K80-K83Primary Range
Diseases of gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas
This range includes codes for cholangitis and related biliary conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K80.3 | Calculus of bile duct with cholangitis | Use when cholangitis is due to bile duct stones. |
|
| K83.01 | Primary sclerosing cholangitis | Use for confirmed primary sclerosing cholangitis. |
|
| K83.09 | Other cholangitis | Use when cholangitis is not due to stones. |
|
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 cholangitis
Essential facts and insights about Cholangitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cholangitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of bile duct stones confirmed by imaging
Applicable To
- Cholangitis with gallstones
Excludes
- Cholangitis without gallstones
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging confirmation of bile duct stones
- Systemic inflammation markers (e.g., fever, elevated WBC)
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation specifies stone presence.
Coding Notes
- Sequence K80.3 first if obstruction is present.
K83.01 - Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Use for confirmed primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Applicable To
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Excludes
- Biliary cirrhosis (K74.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ERCP or MRCP showing characteristic bile duct changes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies primary sclerosing cholangitis.
K83.09 - Other cholangitis
Use when cholangitis is not due to stones.
Applicable To
- Ascending cholangitis
- Suppurative cholangitis
Excludes
- Cholangitis with gallstones (K80.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Systemic signs of infection (e.g., fever, elevated WBC)
- Imaging showing bile duct inflammation
Coding Notes
Document systemic signs and imaging findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Bacterial organism
B96.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cholangitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K80.3.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include imaging results in documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K83.01 for primary sclerosing cholangitis and K74.3 for biliary cirrhosis.
Impact
Risk of using non-specific codes for cholangitis.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and correct code selection.
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 Cholangitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cholangitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cholangitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute cholangitis with obstruction
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Systemic signs
- Imaging findings
- Bile duct stone presence
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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