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ICD-10 Coding for Dilated Pancreatic Duct(K86.1, R90.89, C25.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dilated Pancreatic Duct. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Pancreatic Duct DilationMain Pancreatic Duct Dilation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dilated Pancreatic Duct

K86-K87Primary Range

Diseases of the pancreas

This range includes codes for pancreatic diseases, including chronic pancreatitis and other specified pancreatic diseases, which are common causes of duct dilation.

Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal imaging findings, used when the etiology of duct dilation is unknown.

Malignant neoplasm of pancreas

This range includes codes for pancreatic cancer, which can cause duct dilation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K86.1Chronic pancreatitisUse when duct dilation is due to chronic pancreatitis.
  • Imaging showing duct dilation with calcifications
  • History of chronic alcohol use
R90.89Other abnormal findings on diagnostic imagingUse when the cause of duct dilation is unknown.
  • Imaging showing duct dilation without identified cause
C25.3Malignant neoplasm of pancreatic ductUse when duct dilation is due to confirmed pancreatic cancer.
  • Histological confirmation of malignancy

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 dilated pancreatic duct

Essential facts and insights about Dilated Pancreatic Duct

The ICD-10 code for a dilated pancreatic duct varies by cause: K86.1 for chronic pancreatitis and R90.89 for unknown etiology.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dilated pancreatic duct

Chronic pancreatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of calcifications and duct dilation on imaging

Applicable To

  • Chronic calcific pancreatitis

Excludes

  • Acute pancreatitis (K85.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing duct dilation with calcifications
  • History of chronic alcohol use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if acute pancreatitis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure chronic pancreatitis is documented with imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cystic fibrosis

E84.9
Use if congenital duct dilation is due to cystic fibrosis.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified diseases of pancreas

K86.89
Use for duct strictures not due to chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis

K86.1
Use K86.1 when chronic pancreatitis is confirmed.

Other abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging

R90.89
Use R90.89 when malignancy is not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dilated Pancreatic Duct to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K86.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include the underlying cause of duct dilation if known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K86.1 or C25.3 when the cause is identified.

Impact

Frequent use of R90.89 without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are included in the patient's record.

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

Documentation Templates for Dilated Pancreatic Duct

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

Chronic pancreatitis with duct dilation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Imaging findings
  • Clinical history
  • Laboratory results

Example Documentation

Chronic calcific pancreatitis with main pancreatic duct dilation (6mm).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pancreatic duct dilation noted.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic calcific pancreatitis with main pancreatic duct dilation (6mm) and parenchymal calcifications.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and clinical context.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dilated Pancreatic Duct? Ask your questions below.

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