What K80 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code K80 identifies Cholelithiasis in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Digestive System chapter (K00–K95), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply K80 when an encounter's findings match the Cholelithiasis description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify K80 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for K80 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
K80 refers to Cholelithiasis, a group of disorders affecting the gallbladder, biliary tract, and pancreas. These include gallstones, inflammation, bile duct obstructions, pancreatitis, and complications due to systemic diseases. These conditions often present with abdominal pain and may require urgent medical or surgical care.
Symptoms
- Right upper abdominal pain – Common in gallbladder disease (K80–K82)
- Nausea and vomiting – Present in cholecystitis (K81) and pancreatitis (K85)
- Fever and chills – Indicate possible infection
- Jaundice – Suggests bile duct obstruction or involvement (K83, K87)
- Back pain and tenderness – Associated with acute pancreatitis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Cholelithiasis involves abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRCP, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), and sometimes ERCP. These help identify inflammation, obstruction, or underlying causes requiring intervention.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code K80 is used by gastroenterologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, ER physicians, and internists. It supports billing for imaging, hospital admission, endoscopic procedures, or surgical interventions like cholecystectomy or ERCP.
Related Codes
- K81 – Cholecystitis
- K82 – Other diseases of gallbladder
- K83 – Other diseases of biliary tract
- K85 – Acute pancreatitis
- K86 – Other diseases of pancreas
- K87 – Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas in diseases classified elsewhere
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code K80?
A: It refers to Cholelithiasis, which affects the biliary system or pancreas, causing digestive issues, inflammation, or obstruction.
Q2: What is the difference between K80 and K81?
A: K80 refers to gallstones, while K81 is used when inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) is present, with or without stones.
Q3: What conditions are included under K82 and K83?
A: K82 includes gallbladder polyps or perforation; K83 covers cholangitis, bile duct stricture, or leaks.
Q4: What does K87 represent?
A: K87 codes for biliary or pancreatic conditions arising due to systemic diseases like cancer, infections, or trauma.
Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Gastroenterologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, interventional radiologists, and emergency physicians manage these disorders.
Conclusion
ICD10 code K80 helps guide clinical care and documentation for Cholelithiasis, ensuring proper diagnosis, procedural planning, and effective management of biliary and pancreatic diseases.