ICD-10 Code K82.A1 – Gangrene of gallbladder in cholecystitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K82.A1 – Gangrene of gallbladder in cholecystitis
What it is
K82.A1 identifies gangrene of the gallbladder occurring with cholecystitis. Use it when documentation shows gallbladder tissue death associated with inflammation of the gallbladder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings may include severe right upper quadrant pain, fever, tenderness, and evidence of complicated cholecystitis with gangrenous change.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents gangrenous cholecystitis or gangrene of the gallbladder in the setting of cholecystitis. It also fits when operative, imaging, or pathology reports clearly confirm gangrene. If the record only says cholecystitis without gangrene, do not assign this code.
Do not use for
Do not use it for uncomplicated cholecystitis, gallstones alone, or gallbladder gangrene without documented cholecystitis. Check documentation if the record is unclear.
Coding tip
Code the condition only when gangrene is explicitly linked to cholecystitis in the record.