ICD-10 Code K85.01 – Idiopathic acute pancreatitis with uninfected necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K85.01 – Idiopathic acute pancreatitis with uninfected necrosis
What it is
This code identifies an acute pancreatitis episode with pancreatic necrosis, where the cause is not known and the necrotic tissue is not infected. Use it when documentation clearly states idiopathic origin and uninfected necrosis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and imaging or clinical evidence of pancreatic necrosis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K85.01 when the provider documents idiopathic acute pancreatitis and specifies necrosis without infection. It may also apply when imaging supports necrosis and the record does not identify a cause such as gallstones, alcohol, or hypertriglyceridemia.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the pancreatitis cause is documented, or if necrosis is infected. Check documentation when the record mentions acute pancreatitis without necrosis or without a stated idiopathic cause.
Coding tip
Confirm both elements—idiopathic cause and uninfected necrosis—before assigning K85.01.