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ICD-10 Coding for Cholelithiasis(K80.00, K80.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cholelithiasis. 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

K80-K80.9Primary Range

Cholelithiasis

This range includes all codes related to gallstones, with or without complications such as cholecystitis or obstruction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K80.00Acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis without obstructionUse when acute cholecystitis is confirmed with gallstones but no obstruction is present.
  • Imaging showing gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening
  • Clinical signs of acute cholecystitis
K80.20Cholelithiasis without cholecystitisUse for incidental findings of gallstones without symptoms or inflammation.
  • Imaging confirming gallstones without inflammation

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 colelitiasis

Essential facts and insights about Cholelithiasis

The ICD-10 code for colelitiasis is K80.00, used for acute cholecystitis with gallstones without obstruction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for colelitiasis

Acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis without obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute inflammation without duct obstruction

Applicable To

  • Acute cholecystitis with gallstones

Excludes

  • Chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening
  • Clinical signs of acute cholecystitis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if obstruction is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of 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.

Differential Codes

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

Acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis with obstruction

K80.01
Presence of obstruction confirmed by imaging or surgery.

Choledocholithiasis without obstruction

K80.80
Stones located in bile ducts rather than gallbladder.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cholelithiasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K80.00.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are included in patient records., Train staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audits., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging and clinical findings are documented to support specific codes.

Impact

High audit risk when using unspecified codes without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation supports the specificity of the code used.

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

Documentation Templates for Cholelithiasis

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

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Operative findings
  • Pathology results
  • Imaging reports

Example Documentation

Procedure: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Findings: Gallbladder with 3 stones, no CBD stones. Pathology: Acute cholecystitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gallbladder removed with stones.
Good Documentation Example
Laparoscopic removal of gallbladder with 3 stones, no CBD stones, confirmed acute cholecystitis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and confirms diagnosis.

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

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