ICD-10 Code K85.22 – Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis with infected necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K85.22 – Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis with infected necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a sudden episode of pancreatitis caused by alcohol, with necrosis of pancreatic tissue and documented infection. It means the pancreas is inflamed and part of the tissue has died and become infected.
Clinical signs
Typical features include acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and clinical evidence of pancreatitis. Imaging or operative findings may show pancreatic necrosis, and documentation must support infection of the necrotic tissue.
When to use this code
Use K85.22 when the provider documents acute alcoholic pancreatitis and specifically notes infected necrosis. This applies when alcohol is identified as the cause and the record supports both necrosis and infection. Check documentation if the cause or necrosis status is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pancreatitis without infected necrosis, or for necrosis without a documented alcohol cause. If infection is not stated, or the case is chronic rather than acute, review the record before coding.
Coding tip
Code the alcohol cause and infected necrosis only when both are explicitly documented; otherwise, check documentation.