Cholecystitis (K81)
ICD-10 codes in the K81 category are used specifically to classify different forms of cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder. These codes help medical professionals identify whether the condition is acute, chronic, a combination of both, or unspecified.
The ICD-10 code K81.0 covers acute cholecystitis, including variants like gangrenous or hemorrhagic forms, sometimes called gangrene of gallbladder or acute emphysematous cholecystitis. The code K81.1 represents chronic cholecystitis, also known by terms such as cholecystitis glandularis proliferans. When both acute and chronic inflammation occur simultaneously, K81.2 is used. If a diagnosis simply states cholecystitis without further detail, the unspecified code K81.9 applies. Understanding these distinctions ensures accurate coding for conditions related to gallbladder inflammation, supporting clinical care and healthcare data management.
Instructional Notations
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- cholecystitis with cholelithiasis K80
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Acalculous Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the GALLBLADDER wall in the absence of GALLSTONES.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the GALLBLADDER; generally caused by impairment of BILE flow, GALLSTONES in the BILIARY TRACT, infections, or other diseases.
Cholecystitis, Acute
Acute inflammation of the GALLBLADDER wall. It is characterized by the presence of ABDOMINAL PAIN; FEVER; and LEUKOCYTOSIS. Gallstone obstruction of the CYSTIC DUCT is present in approximately 90% of the cases.
Emphysematous Cholecystitis
A variant of acute cholecystitis with inflammation of the GALLBLADDER that is characterized by the pockets of gas in the gallbladder wall. It is due to secondary infection caused by gas-forming organisms, and has a high risk of perforation.
Gallbladder
A storage reservoir for BILE secretion. Gallbladder allows the delivery of bile acids at a high concentration and in a controlled manner, via the CYSTIC DUCT to the DUODENUM, for degradation of dietary lipid.
