ICD-10 Code K81.0 – Acute cholecystitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K81.0 – Acute cholecystitis
What it is
Acute cholecystitis is sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, usually from cystic duct obstruction. Use this code when the record clearly documents an acute gallbladder infection or inflammation.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include right upper quadrant abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, and a positive Murphy sign. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K81.0 when the provider diagnoses acute cholecystitis, with or without gallstones, and the documentation supports an acute process. Apply it for emergency visits, inpatient admissions, or imaging-confirmed cases when the assessment names acute cholecystitis. Check documentation if the note only says gallbladder pain or biliary colic.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic cholecystitis, biliary colic, or nonspecific abdominal pain without an acute cholecystitis diagnosis. If the record is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the acute diagnosis exactly as documented and verify whether gallstones or obstruction are separately specified.