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ICD-10 Coding for Gallstone Pancreatitis(K85.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Gallstone Pancreatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Biliary PancreatitisAcute Biliary Pancreatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gallstone Pancreatitis

K85-K86Primary Range

Diseases of the pancreas

This range includes codes for acute and chronic pancreatitis, including those caused by gallstones.

Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis

This range includes codes for gallstones and related gallbladder conditions, which may be relevant if there is a separate gallbladder pathology.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for gallstone pancreatitis

Essential facts and insights about Gallstone Pancreatitis

The ICD-10 code for gallstone pancreatitis is K85.1, indicating pancreatitis caused by gallstones.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for gallstone pancreatitis

Biliary acute pancreatitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of gallstones on imaging and elevated ALT.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented evidence of gallstones and pancreatitis symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Gallstone pancreatitis
  • Biliary pancreatitis

Excludes

  • Chronic pancreatitis (K86.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Elevated lipase/amylase ≥3x ULN
  • ALT > 150 U/L
  • Gallstones on imaging (US/CT/MRCP)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly sequencing gallstones as principal diagnosis when admission is for pancreatitis.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'biliary' or 'gallstone' pancreatitis to use K85.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cholelithiasis

K80.XX
Use if there is a separate gallbladder condition such as acute cholecystitis.

Differential Codes

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

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis

K85.2
Use K85.2 when the cause of pancreatitis is unknown and not related to gallstones.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gallstone Pancreatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K85.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of pancreatitis etiology., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging is performed and results are documented., Review documentation for completeness before submission.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K85.1 when gallstones are the confirmed cause.

Impact

Sequencing gallstones as principal diagnosis instead of pancreatitis.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.

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 Gallstone Pancreatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Gallstone Pancreatitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Gallstone Pancreatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Admission

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Imaging results
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe epigastric pain. Lipase 950 U/L, ALT 220 U/L. CT abdomen shows pancreatic edema and gallstones.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pancreatitis with gallstones.
Good Documentation Example
Acute biliary pancreatitis secondary to choledocholithiasis confirmed by MRCP.
Explanation
The good example specifies the etiology and confirms with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Gallstone Pancreatitis? Ask your questions below.

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