ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cholecystitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Cholecystitis”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cholecystitis
The ICD-10-CM code for cholecystitis is K81.9 (Cholecystitis, unspecified). The official index lists 12 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K81.9.
Within K81, choose K81.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: acute cholecystitis (K81.0), chronic cholecystitis (K81.1) and acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis (K81.2).
Use an additional code if applicable for associated gangrene of gallbladder (K82.A1), or perforation of gallbladder (K82.A2).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific cholecystitis codes (official index)
- with
- calculus, stones in
- bile duct (common) (hepatic)
- cystic duct
- gallbladder
- choledocholithiasis
- cholelithiasis
- gangrene of gallbladder K82.A1 — Gangrene of gallbladder in cholecystitis
- perforation of gallbladder K82.A2 — Perforation of gallbladder in cholecystitis
- acute (emphysematous) (gangrenous) (suppurative) K81.0 — Acute cholecystitis
- with
- calculus, stones in
- cystic duct
- gallbladder
- choledocholithiasis
- cholelithiasis
- chronic cholecystitis K81.2 — Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis
- with gallbladder calculus K80.12 — Calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis without obstruction
- with obstruction K80.13 — Calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis with obstruction
- chronic K81.1 — Chronic cholecystitis
- with acute cholecystitis K81.2 — Acute cholecystitis with chronic cholecystitis
- with gallbladder calculus K80.12 — Calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis without obstruction
- with obstruction K80.13 — Calculus of gallbladder with acute and chronic cholecystitis with obstruction
- emphysematous (acute)
- gangrenous
- paratyphoidal, current A01.4 — Paratyphoid fever, unspecified
- suppurative
- typhoidal A01.09 — Typhoid fever with other complications
Common questions about cholecystitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cholecystitis?
- K81.9 — Cholecystitis, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K82.A1, K82.A2, K81.0, K81.2 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute cholecystitis?
- K81.0 — Acute cholecystitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic cholecystitis?
- K81.1 — Chronic cholecystitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for typhoidal cholecystitis?
- A01.09 — Typhoid fever with other complications.
Is K81.9 billable?
- Yes. K81.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K81.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K81.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K81.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. K81.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.