What is the ICD-10 code for Cholecystitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Cholecystitis is K81 (fiscal year 2026). K81 is a non-billable category code — a more specific code such as K81.0 is required for claims.

What does ICD-10 code K81 mean?

K81 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Cholecystitis. Cholecystitis

Is K81 a billable ICD-10 code?

No, K81 is not a billable code. You may need to select a more specific code from this category.

What chapter is K81 in?

K81 is classified under Chapter 11: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95), Section K80-K87: Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87).

What are the includes and excludes for K81?

Excludes1 (not coded here): cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-).

What more specific codes exist under K81?

More specific codes under K81 include: K81.0, K81.1, K81.2, K81.9. Select the most specific code that matches the clinical documentation.

K81 Cholecystitis

⚠ Non-Billable ICD-10-CM 2026

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The ICD-10-CM code for Cholecystitis is K81 (FY2026). It is a non-billable category code — select a more specific code below for claims.

Classification

Chapter: 11: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
Section: K80-K87: Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87)
Category K81: 5 codes (4 billable)
FY2026 Status: Stable since FY2024

Excludes1

Not coded here. These conditions should NOT be coded together with K81.

cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-)

Use Additional Code

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

Official Coding Guidelines

Chapter 11 reserved for future expansion

11. Chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System (K00-K95) Reserved for future guideline expansion

— ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026, Section I.C.11

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

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Reference K81 with the canonical source and edition:

K81 — Cholecystitis. ICD-10 Coding Pro (ICD-10-CM FY2026). https://icd10codingpro.com/codes/K81

Canonical URL: https://icd10codingpro.com/codes/K81

K81 Cholecystitis

Classification

Official Coding Guidelines

References

Cite This Page

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