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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

K81Cholecystitis

Not billable — use a more specific code

K81 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 4 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About K81

K81 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cholecystitis. It belongs to block K80-K87 (disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas) and chapter 11 (diseases of the digestive system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 4 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: K81.0 (cholecystitis), K81.1 (cholecystitis), K81.2 (cholecystitis) and K81.9 (unspecified).

Don't report K81 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-).

Use an additional code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under K81

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • cholecystitis with cholelithiasis (K80.-)
Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to K81.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 11: Diseases of the digestive system.

Codes whose notes reference K81

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about K81

Is K81 billable?

No. K81 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.