K80-K87
Medium Complexity
Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas
Primary Specialty: Gastroenterology
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (59)
46 billable8 category headers
K81K81.0Billable
K81.1Billable
K81.2Billable
K81.9Billable
K82K82.0Billable
K82.1Billable
K82.2Billable
K82.3Billable
K82.4Billable
K82.8Billable
K82.9Billable
K83K83.0K83.01Billable
K83.09Billable
K83.1Billable
K83.2Billable
K83.3Billable
K83.4Billable
K83.5Billable
K83.8Billable
K83.9Billable
K85K85.0K85.00Billable
K85.01Billable
K85.02Billable
K85.1K85.10Billable
K85.11Billable
K85.12Billable
K85.2K85.20Billable
K85.21Billable
K85.22Billable
K85.3K85.30Billable
K85.31Billable
K85.32Billable
K85.8K85.80Billable
K85.81Billable
K85.82Billable
K85.9K85.90Billable
K85.91Billable
K85.92Billable
K86K86.0Billable
K86.1Billable
K86.2Billable
K86.3Billable
K86.8K86.81Billable
K86.89Billable
K86.9Billable
K87Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (1)
K50.919
Crohn's disease, unspecified, with perianal disease complications
Revised Codes (2)
K51.90
Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications - updated endoscopic severity scoring
K50.90
Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications - enhanced phenotyping
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for K80-K87 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range K80-K87 covers disorders of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas. This includes conditions such as cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and pancreatitis. These codes are used to document diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and are critical for accurate medical billing and statistical tracking of diseases.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •For recurrent conditions, use the appropriate code to indicate recurrence.
- •When coding pancreatitis, specify the etiology if known.
- •In the case of cholecystitis, specify whether it's acute or chronic.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with gallstones.
- ✓When a patient has inflammation of the gallbladder.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with pancreatitis.
- ✓When a patient has a disorder of the biliary tract.
- ✓When a patient has a pancreatic disorder not elsewhere classified.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's condition is not specifically related to the gallbladder, biliary tract, or pancreas.
- ✗When the patient's condition is better described by another code.
- ✗When the patient's condition is only suspected or ruled out.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a complication of surgery or procedure.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10-CM manual before assigning a code.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for disorders of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas should include the specific diagnosis, any associated conditions, and the patient's medical history. The documentation should be clear, concise, and specific.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Etiology, if known
- •Severity and acuity of the condition
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Patient's medical history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results
- •Imaging studies
- •Clinical notes
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due to alcohol abuse. CT scan confirms diagnosis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has stomach pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not coding to the highest level of specificity
- âš Not documenting the etiology of the condition
- âš Not documenting associated conditions or complications
Range Statistics
8
Total Codes
46
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:11
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The complexity of these codes is medium due to the need to understand the etiology of the condition, identify any associated conditions or complications, and code to the highest level of specificity. In addition, a solid understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas is required.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Understanding the etiology of the condition
- â–¸Identifying associated conditions or complications
- â–¸Coding to the highest level of specificity
- â–¸Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used by gastroenterologists, general surgeons, and emergency medicine physicians.
Primary Specialties:
Gastroenterology
40%
General Surgery
30%
Emergency Medicine
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the ER with severe abdominal pain and is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.
- • A patient with a history of gallstones is diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis.
- • A patient is diagnosed with a disorder of the biliary tract not elsewhere classified.
Resources & References
Resources for these codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHIMA Coding Clinic
- AAPC ICD-10 Code Books
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
Educational Materials:
- AAPC ICD-10 Training
- AHIMA ICD-10 Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for gallstones with acute cholecystitis?
Use code K80.00 (Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction).