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).

K81Not billable, use a more specific code below

Cholecystitis

In Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87), chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System

4 billable codes under K81: 2 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

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

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 11 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.11 (page 58)

All codes under K81

K81 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

K81 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under K81 group to MS-DRG 444, 445, or 446 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to K81

Notes on these codes point to K81.

K82.4 Excludes1: cholesterolosis of gallbladder with cholecystitis (K81.-)
K82.A Code First: the type of cholecystitis (K81.-), or cholelithiasis with cholecystitis (K80.00-K80.19, K80.40-K80.47, K80.60-K80.67)
K83 Excludes2: conditions involving the gallbladder (K81-K82)
K83 Excludes2: conditions involving the cystic duct (K81-K82)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Gallbladder Diseases

Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid made by your liver to digest fat. As your stomach and intestines digest food, your gallbladder releases bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The duct connects your gallbladder and liver to your small intestine.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.