Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis with uninfected necrosis
ICD-10 K85.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of alcohol induced acute pancreatitis with uninfected necrosis.
K85.21 refers to alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis with uninfected necrosis, a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas due to excessive alcohol consumption. The pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potential complications such as necrosis, which is the death of pancreatic tissue. In cases of uninfected necrosis, the tissue death occurs without secondary infection, which can complicate the clinical picture. The disease may progress rapidly, necessitating hospitalization for monitoring and management. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of necrosis and laboratory tests to evaluate pancreatic enzyme levels. Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent further complications, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or multi-organ failure.
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
K85.21 specifically covers acute pancreatitis caused by alcohol consumption that results in uninfected necrosis of pancreatic tissue. It is essential to differentiate this from other forms of pancreatitis, such as those caused by gallstones or other etiologies.
K85.21 should be used when the acute pancreatitis is specifically due to alcohol and there is evidence of uninfected necrosis. If the pancreatitis is due to other causes or if there is infection present, different codes should be selected.
Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, evidence of alcohol use, imaging results indicating necrosis, and a treatment plan that reflects the severity of the condition. Detailed clinical notes are essential for supporting the diagnosis.
