ICD-10 Code K81.9 – Cholecystitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K81.9 – Cholecystitis, unspecified
What it is
K81.9 identifies inflammation of the gallbladder when the record does not specify the type or cause. Use it when the diagnosis is cholecystitis, but documentation lacks details such as acute, chronic, or calculous.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include right upper abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever, or imaging evidence of gallbladder inflammation.
When to use this code
Use K81.9 when the provider clearly documents cholecystitis but does not identify a more specific subtype. It is appropriate for incomplete final diagnoses, problem lists, or discharge summaries that remain nonspecific. If the chart later specifies the type, code the more detailed diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for gallstones without cholecystitis or for documented acute, chronic, or calculous cholecystitis. Check documentation if another gallbladder disorder is named.
Coding tip
Query the provider when the record says only “cholecystitis” and laterality or type is unclear.