What is the ICD-10 Code for Cholelithiasis?

The exact ICD-10 code for cholelithiasis is K80. This code is a medical classification listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the range of "Diseases of the digestive system."

Understanding ICD-10 Codes

ICD-10, or the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, is a global standard for classifying diseases and health problems. Developed by the WHO, these codes are crucial for various aspects of healthcare, including:

• Medical Billing and Reimbursement: Ensuring accurate payment for services rendered.
• Health Record Keeping: Maintaining consistent and standardized patient records.
• Public Health Surveillance: Tracking disease prevalence and health trends.
• Research and Statistics: Analyzing health data for medical advancements and policy-making.

Cholelithiasis: The K80 Code Explained

Cholelithiasis refers to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. The ICD-10 code K80 specifically identifies this condition. While K80 is the primary code for cholelithiasis, it often has sub-categories that provide more specific details about the condition's presentation, such as the presence of acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or other complications.

For medical coding and billing, the specificity of the code is paramount. Healthcare professionals use detailed diagnostic documentation to select the most precise ICD-10 code for a patient's condition.

Common Sub-categories (Examples for K80):

While K80 is the base code, healthcare providers often use more specific codes to describe the exact nature of the cholelithiasis. These might include:

• K80.0: Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis
• K80.1: Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis
• K80.2: Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis
• K80.3: Calculus of bile duct with cholangitis
• K80.4: Calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis
• K80.5: Calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis
• K80.8: Other cholelithiasis
• K80.9: Cholelithiasis, unspecified

Note: The primary reference provided details K80 as the main code for Cholelithiasis. The sub-categories are examples of how ICD-10 codes become more granular based on the clinical presentation.

Importance in Practice

When a patient is diagnosed with cholelithiasis, the K80 code (or one of its more specific sub-codes) is entered into their medical record. This ensures:

• Accurate Diagnosis Documentation: A clear record of the patient's condition.
• Appropriate Treatment Planning: Guides healthcare providers in developing a suitable course of action.
• Smooth Reimbursement: Facilitates the billing process with insurance companies.

For further details on ICD-10 codes and their application, you can refer to resources like the AAPC's ICD-10 code lookup. This type of resource is invaluable for medical coders, billers, and healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.