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ICD-10 Coding for Cholelithiasis Unspecified(K80.9)

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

Also known as:

GallstonesBiliary Calculi

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cholelithiasis Unspecified

K80-K87Primary Range

Diseases of gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas

This range includes all conditions related to gallstones and their complications.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cholelithiasis unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Cholelithiasis Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for cholelithiasis unspecified is K80.9, used when gallstones are confirmed but no specific location or complication is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cholelithiasis unspecified

Cholelithiasis, unspecified
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Gallstones confirmed by imaging without complications

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of specific location or complication in documentation

Applicable To

  • Gallstones without further specification

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound confirming gallstones without signs of inflammation or obstruction
  • Normal liver function tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if complications are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of complications for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abdominal pain, unspecified

R10.9
Use to document associated symptoms like abdominal pain.

Differential Codes

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

Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis

K80.20
Use when acute cholecystitis is documented alongside gallstones.

Choledocholithiasis without obstruction

K80.50
Use when stones are in the bile duct without obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cholelithiasis Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K80.9.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are reviewed and documented, Train staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code specific complications such as cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis.

Impact

Using K80.9 when more specific codes apply

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specific details on stone location and complications.

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 Cholelithiasis Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cholelithiasis Unspecified

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

Primary Care Visit

Specialty: Family Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptom description
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical assessment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with episodic RUQ pain. Ultrasound confirms gallstones without duct dilation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has gallstones.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports RUQ pain. Ultrasound shows gallstones in gallbladder; no duct dilation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and symptom description.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cholelithiasis Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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