Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection
ICD-10 K85.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of alcohol induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection.
Alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas triggered by excessive alcohol consumption. Clinically, patients may present with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. The pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a crucial role in digestion and glucose metabolism. In acute pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes become activated within the pancreas, leading to autodigestion and inflammation. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may recover completely, others may experience recurrent episodes or develop chronic pancreatitis. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history focusing on alcohol intake, physical examination, and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scans to rule out complications. Laboratory tests are essential for confirming elevated pancreatic enzymes. Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent complications such as necrosis or infection, which are not present in K85.20.
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
K85.20 specifically covers acute pancreatitis caused by alcohol consumption without any associated necrosis or infection. It is important to differentiate this from other types of pancreatitis, such as those caused by gallstones or other factors.
K85.20 should be used when the acute pancreatitis is directly linked to alcohol use and there are no signs of necrosis or infection. If there are complications, other codes such as K85.21 or K85.22 should be considered.
Documentation should include a detailed history of alcohol consumption, clinical findings such as abdominal pain and enzyme levels, and results from imaging studies that rule out complications.
