K81 ICD-10-CM Code: Cholecystitis
A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the FY 2027 U.S. release.
Official description
K81Cholecystitis
ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification
Where K81 sits
- 1
Chapter 11
Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
- 2
Section
Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87)
- 3
Category K81
Cholecystitis
- 4
Code K81
Cholecystitis
Codes under K81
K81 is a non-billable category. Choose the child code that best matches the documented diagnosis.
Notes for this code
Inclusion terms
No inclusion terms are listed for K81.
Code first
No “code first” instruction is listed for K81.
Use additional code
- code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2)
Excludes1
Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.
- cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-)
Excludes2
Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.
No Excludes2 note is listed for K81.
Source and release
- Data release
- U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027
- Effective date
- Oct 1, 2026
- Publisher
- Vero Scribe Inc.
This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.
Frequently asked questions
What does ICD-10-CM code K81 mean?
K81 is the FY 2027 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Cholecystitis.”
Is K81 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?
No. K81 has more specific child codes in the FY 2027 reference data. Select the code that matches the documentation and confirm the active code set and payer requirements.
Where is K81 located in ICD-10-CM?
K81 is listed in Chapter 11, Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95), within Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (K80-K87) (K80–K87), under category K81, Cholecystitis.
What coding notes are listed for K81?
No inclusion terms are listed for K81 in this reference record. No code-first instruction is listed. Additional-code instructions: code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2). Excludes1 notes: cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-). No Excludes2 note is listed.