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ICD-10 Coding for History of Gallstones(Z87.79, K80.20)

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

Also known as:

Cholelithiasis HistoryPast Gallstones

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Gallstones

Z87.79Primary Range

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Used to indicate a past medical history of gallstones that have been resolved or treated.

Cholelithiasis

Used for active gallstone conditions, including those with complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z87.79Personal history of other diseases of the digestive systemUse when documenting a resolved history of gallstones, typically after cholecystectomy.
  • Documentation of previous gallstone diagnosis and treatment
  • Absence of current symptoms or active disease
K80.20Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis, without obstructionUse for active gallstone disease without complications.
  • Current imaging showing gallstones
  • Symptoms of biliary colic

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: How do you code a history of gallstones?

Essential facts and insights about History of Gallstones

Use ICD-10 code Z87.79 for a resolved history of gallstones, typically after cholecystectomy, ensuring no current symptoms are present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of gallstones

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has undergone cholecystectomy and is asymptomatic.

documentation Criteria

  • Medical record includes past diagnosis and treatment details.

Applicable To

  • History of gallstones

Excludes

  • Current gallstone disease (K80-K80.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of previous gallstone diagnosis and treatment
  • Absence of current symptoms or active disease

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active gallstone disease as history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the gallstones are resolved.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis, without obstruction

K80.20
Use K80.20 for active gallstones without complications; Z87.79 for resolved history.

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Z87.79
Use Z87.79 for resolved history, not active disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Gallstones to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.79.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgical records, Update patient history regularly

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify current symptoms and imaging before coding as history.

Impact

Coding active gallstones as history can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and verification of current status.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Gallstones

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

Post-Cholecystectomy Follow-Up

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Surgical history
  • Current symptom status
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient underwent cholecystectomy in 2020 for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Currently asymptomatic with no residual stones on imaging.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had gallstones.
Good Documentation Example
Patient had cholecystectomy in 2020 for symptomatic gallstones, currently asymptomatic.
Explanation
The good example provides specific surgical history and current status.

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

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