Cholecystitis
Chapter 11:Diseases of the digestive system
ICD-10 K81 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cholecystitis.
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often resulting from a blockage of the cystic duct by gallstones. This condition can manifest as acute or chronic cholecystitis, with acute cases typically presenting with severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Chronic cholecystitis may develop over time due to repeated episodes of acute inflammation, leading to a thickened gallbladder wall and potential complications such as gallbladder perforation or infection. Proper diagnosis often involves imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and treatment may include surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy, especially in cases of acute cholecystitis. Understanding the clinical significance of cholecystitis is crucial for timely management and preventing serious complications.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K81 includes acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, and other specified forms of cholecystitis. It does not cover conditions related to gallstones without inflammation, which are coded under K80.
K81 codes should be used when a patient is diagnosed with cholecystitis, whether acute or chronic, and when there is clinical documentation supporting the diagnosis, including symptoms and imaging results.
Documentation must include the patient's symptoms, diagnostic imaging results, and the clinical decision-making process leading to the diagnosis of cholecystitis. It is also important to specify whether the condition is acute or chronic.
