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ICD-10 Coding for Dilated Bile Duct(K83.8, Q44.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dilated Bile Duct. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Biliary Duct DilationEnlarged Bile Duct

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dilated Bile Duct

K80-K87Primary Range

Diseases of the biliary tract

Includes conditions affecting the bile ducts, such as dilation due to various causes.

Congenital malformations of bile ducts

Covers congenital conditions like choledochal cysts that can cause bile duct dilation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K83.8Other specified diseases of biliary tractUse for acquired dilation not due to stones or tumors.
  • Imaging-confirmed dilation ≥7mm (US) or ≥10mm (CT)
  • Absence of obstruction on MRCP/EUS
Q44.3Congenital cystic dilatation of bile ductUse for congenital conditions like choledochal cysts.
  • Documented congenital origin
  • Imaging shows cystic dilatation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for dilated bile duct

Essential facts and insights about Dilated Bile Duct

The ICD-10 code for an acquired dilated bile duct is K83.8, while Q44.3 is used for congenital cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dilated bile duct

Other specified diseases of biliary tract
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows dilation without obstruction.

Applicable To

  • Acquired dilation of bile duct

Excludes

  • Congenital cystic dilatation of bile duct (Q44.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging-confirmed dilation ≥7mm (US) or ≥10mm (CT)
  • Absence of obstruction on MRCP/EUS

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without specifying acquired vs. congenital.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acquired nature and measurements.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Choledocholithiasis

K80.5
Use when stones cause the dilation.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Congenital cystic dilatation of bile duct

Q44.3
Use when dilation is congenital, such as choledochal cysts.

Other specified diseases of biliary tract

K83.8
Use for acquired dilation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dilated Bile Duct to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K83.8.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increased audit risk., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Risk of audit failure., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the cause and nature of dilation clearly.

Impact

Failure to specify cause can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks and audits.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Dilated Bile Duct, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dilated Bile Duct

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Dilated Bile Duct. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acquired bile duct dilation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Lab values
  • Clinical findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with jaundice and RUQ pain. CT shows CBD dilation of 10mm with abrupt cutoff. MRCP confirms choledocholithiasis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bile duct enlarged.
Good Documentation Example
Acquired dilation of common bile duct (9mm on CT) secondary to choledocholithiasis.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and measurement, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dilated Bile Duct? Ask your questions below.

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