ICD-10 Code for Cholecystitis

The default ICD-10-CM 2027 code for cholecystitis is K81.9 – Cholecystitis, unspecified. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (10 codes, 10 billable).

Main code: K81.9 – Cholecystitis, unspecified
Billable: Yes

Index entries for Cholecystitis

with
- calculus, stones in
  - bile duct (common) (hepatic) – see Calculus, bile duct, with cholecystitis
  - cystic duct – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis
  - gallbladder – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis
- choledocholithiasis – see Calculus, bile duct, with cholecystitis
- cholelithiasis – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis
- gangrene of gallbladder – K82.A1
- perforation of gallbladder – K82.A2
acute (emphysematous) (gangrenous) (suppurative) – K81.0
- with
  - calculus, stones in
    - cystic duct – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis, acute
    - gallbladder – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis, acute
  - choledocholithiasis – see Calculus, bile duct, with cholecystitis, acute
  - cholelithiasis – see Calculus, gallbladder, with cholecystitis, acute
  - chronic cholecystitis – K81.2
    - with gallbladder calculus – K80.12
      - with obstruction – K80.13
chronic – K81.1
- with acute cholecystitis – K81.2
  - with gallbladder calculus – K80.12
    - with obstruction – K80.13
emphysematous (acute) – see Cholecystitis, acute
gangrenous – see Cholecystitis, acute
paratyphoidal, current – A01.4
suppurative – see Cholecystitis, acute
typhoidal – A01.09

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.