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ICD-10 Coding for History of Cholecystectomy(Z90.5, Z98.51)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Cholecystectomy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Post-CholecystectomyGallbladder Removal Historypostcholecystectomy status

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Cholecystectomy

Z90.5Primary Range

Acquired absence of organs, not elsewhere classified

Primary range for documenting the history of gallbladder removal.

Other postprocedural states

Includes presence of cholecystostomy drain, relevant if drain is present.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z90.5Acquired absence of gallbladderUse when documenting the history of gallbladder removal without current complications.
  • Operative note confirming cholecystectomy
  • Imaging studies showing absence of gallbladder
Z98.51Presence of cholecystostomy drainUse when a cholecystostomy drain is actively present.
  • Documentation of active cholecystostomy drain

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 history of cholecystectomy

Essential facts and insights about History of Cholecystectomy

The ICD-10 code for history of cholecystectomy is Z90.5, used to indicate the acquired absence of the gallbladder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of cholecystectomy

Acquired absence of gallbladder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of gallbladder confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Operative note detailing cholecystectomy

Applicable To

  • History of cholecystectomy

Excludes

  • Presence of cholecystostomy drain (Z98.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative note confirming cholecystectomy
  • Imaging studies showing absence of gallbladder

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using when a drain is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'status post cholecystectomy' with date.

Differential Codes

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

Presence of cholecystostomy drain

Z98.51
Use Z98.51 if a cholecystostomy drain is currently present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Cholecystectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z90.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific phrases like 'status post cholecystectomy', Include dates and methods

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify current presence of the drain before coding.

Impact

Improper sequencing of codes can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure primary codes are sequenced correctly before complications.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Cholecystectomy

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

Post-Cholecystectomy Follow-Up

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Date of cholecystectomy
  • Surgical method
  • Current status

Example Documentation

Patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy on 01/15/2025. Current imaging confirms absence of gallbladder.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Previous gallbladder surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Status post laparoscopic cholecystectomy on 01/15/2025, confirmed by ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Cholecystectomy? Ask your questions below.

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