ICD-10 Code K85.20 – Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K85.20 – Alcohol induced acute pancreatitis without necrosis or infection
What it is
This code identifies an acute inflammation of the pancreas caused by alcohol, with no documented pancreatic necrosis or infection. Use it when the record clearly links the episode to alcohol and excludes those complications.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal tenderness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially for evidence that necrosis or infection is absent.
When to use this code
Use K85.20 when the provider documents acute pancreatitis due to alcohol and does not describe necrosis or infection. It also fits cases where the diagnosis is confirmed during the encounter and the alcohol cause is stated clearly. If the chart is vague, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the pancreatitis is chronic, drug-induced, biliary, or linked to another cause. Also avoid it when necrosis or infection is documented, because a different code is needed.
Coding tip
Confirm both the alcohol etiology and the absence of necrosis or infection before assigning K85.20.