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ICD-10 Coding for Gallbladder Conditions(K80.10, K80.20)

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

Also known as:

CholelithiasisCholecystitisGallstones

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gallbladder Conditions

K80-K82Primary Range

Diseases of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas

This range includes codes for gallbladder diseases such as cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K80.10Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitisUse when both gallstones and acute cholecystitis are confirmed.
  • Ultrasound showing gallstones with wall thickening >4mm
  • Elevated WBC and CRP
K80.20Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitisUse when gallstones are present without cholecystitis.
  • Imaging showing gallstones without wall thickening

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 gallbladder stones with cholecystitis

Essential facts and insights about Gallbladder Conditions

The ICD-10 code for gallbladder stones with acute cholecystitis is K80.10, used when both conditions are confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gallbladder

Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of gallstones with acute inflammation

Applicable To

  • Acute cholecystitis with gallstones

Excludes

  • Chronic cholecystitis without gallstones (K81.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound showing gallstones with wall thickening >4mm
  • Elevated WBC and CRP

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if chronic cholecystitis is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure acute status is documented.

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.

Epigastric pain

R10.13
Use to document associated symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Cholecystitis, unspecified

K81.9
Use K81.9 if the type of cholecystitis is not specified.

Cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis

K80.10
Use K80.10 if acute cholecystitis is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Include imaging results in all relevant documentation, Cross-check with radiology reports

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specificity

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding without acute/chronic specification

Mitigation Strategy

Implement provider queries for specificity

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

Documentation Templates for Gallbladder Conditions

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

Patient presents with RUQ pain, ultrasound shows gallstones with wall thickening >4mm.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gallbladder disease
Good Documentation Example
Acute calculous cholecystitis confirmed by ultrasound
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis and imaging confirmation.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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