Is ICD-10-CM code K81 billable?

No, K81 (Cholecystitis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code K81 belong to?

K81 belongs to Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: K00–K95 (Diseases of the Digestive System).

K81Non-billable

Diseases of the Digestive System·Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87)·category·FY 2026

Use a more specific code (4 billable)

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)

certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
neoplasms (C00-D49)
symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Excludes1(Not coded here. Use a different code.)

Use Additional Code

code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2)

BillableHas subcodes

CH11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

K80-K87Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87)

K81CholecystitisNot billable

K81.0Acute cholecystitisBillable

K81.1Chronic cholecystitisBillable

K81.2Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitisBillable

K81.9Cholecystitis, unspecifiedBillable

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.