ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Cholecystitis(K81.1, K80.10)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Cholecystitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Cholecystitis
K80-K81Primary Range
Diseases of gallbladder, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis
This range includes codes for cholecystitis and gallstones, relevant for chronic cholecystitis with or without stones.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K81.1 | Chronic cholecystitis | Use when chronic inflammation of the gallbladder is confirmed without gallstones. |
|
| K80.10 | Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis | Use when both gallstones and chronic cholecystitis are present. |
|
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 chronic cholecystitis
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Cholecystitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic cholecystitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Chronic symptoms and imaging findings
Applicable To
- Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder
Excludes
- Acute cholecystitis (K81.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ultrasound showing gallbladder wall thickening
- Histopathology confirming chronic inflammation
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as acute if not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure chronicity is documented in the medical record.
K80.10 - Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis
Use when both gallstones and chronic cholecystitis are present.
Applicable To
- Chronic cholecystitis with gallstones
Excludes
- Acute cholecystitis with stones (K80.00)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Gallstones confirmed by imaging
- Chronic inflammation confirmed by histopathology
Coding Notes
Ensure both gallstones and chronic inflammation are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential 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 Chronic Cholecystitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K81.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on documentation standards.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Confirm chronicity through imaging or histopathology and use specific codes.
Impact
Risk of incorrect coding if chronicity is not documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular audits and provider education.
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 Chronic Cholecystitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Cholecystitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Cholecystitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic cholecystitis with gallstones
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- History of symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Histopathology results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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