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ICD-10 Coding for Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis(K80.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Gallstones without inflammationUncomplicated cholelithiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis

K80-K87Primary Range

Diseases of gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas

This range includes all gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, with K80.20 specifically for cholelithiasis without cholecystitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cholelithiasis without cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis

The ICD-10 code for cholelithiasis without cholecystitis is K80.20, used when gallstones are present without inflammation or obstruction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cholelithiasis without cholecystitis

Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis, without obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ultrasound shows gallstones without wall thickening

documentation Criteria

  • Document normal lab values and absence of fever

Applicable To

  • Gallstones without inflammation or obstruction

Excludes

  • Cholelithiasis with cholecystitis (K80.0)
  • Cholelithiasis with obstruction (K80.21)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound confirmation of gallstones without wall thickening or pericholecystic fluid
  • Normal white blood cell count and liver function tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if imaging does not confirm absence of cholecystitis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of cholecystitis 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 to document associated symptoms like RUQ pain.

Personal history of other specified conditions

Z87.898
Use for patients with a history of gallstones.

Differential Codes

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

Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis

K80.0
Presence of fever, leukocytosis, and ultrasound showing gallbladder wall thickening.

Choledocholithiasis

K80.5
Elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, confirmed by MRCP or ERCP.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis 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 discrepancies., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify imaging findings in detail, Include lab results to rule out complications

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affects clinical decision-making and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging and lab results to confirm absence of obstruction.

Impact

Risk of coding gallstones with complications when none are present.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of imaging and lab results.

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 Without Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with RUQ pain. Ultrasound shows gallstones without wall thickening. Labs normal. Assessment: Cholelithiasis without cholecystitis (K80.20).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has gallstones. Plan: Surgery consult.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with RUQ pain. Ultrasound confirms gallstones without cholecystitis. Labs normal. Assessment: Cholelithiasis without cholecystitis (K80.20).
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging and lab findings, confirming the absence of complications.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cholelithiasis Without Cholecystitis? Ask your questions below.

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