Cholecystectomy ICD-10-CM Codes

Discover valuable insights on Cholecystectomy ICD codes, from the most common codes to their clinical descriptions, billability, and synonyms.

By Joshua Napilay on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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What ICD-10 Codes Are Used for Cholecystectomy?

The accurate diagnosis and billing of Cholecystectomy can be achieved using the correct ICD-10 codes. Here are some commonly used Cholecystectomy ICD codes:

Z98.51: Presence of cholecystostomy drain
Z90.49: Acquired absence of other specified parts of the digestive tract
Z90.5: Acquired absence of gallbladder

Which Cholecystectomy ICD Codes Are Billable?

Z98.51: Yes, this code is billable. It is used to signify the presence of a cholecystostomy drain after a procedure.
Z90.49: Yes, this is a billable code. It denotes the acquired absence of other specified parts of the digestive tract.‍
Z90.5: Yes, it's billable because it represents the acquired absence of gallbladder after cholecystectomy.

Clinical Information

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder. Here's more about this surgery:

Procedure: This surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia and can be done using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) or open (traditional) surgery.
Indications: Cholecystectomy is most commonly performed to treat gallstones and the complications they cause. Other indications include gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and gallbladder cancer.
Recovery: Recovery varies but often involves a hospital stay of one or two days. Full recovery from laparoscopic surgery is usually within two weeks. Recovery from open surgery may take longer.
Risks: Though generally safe, complications include bile leak, bile duct injury, and infections.
Life After Cholecystectomy: The gallbladder isn't essential to life, and its removal doesn't usually have a significant impact on the quality of life or ability to digest food, but some people may experience changes in bowel habits.

Synonyms Include:

Gallbladder Removal Surgery
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal
Open Gallbladder Removal

Commonly asked questions

Z90.49 is used when there is an acquired absence of other specified parts of the digestive tract, while Z90.5 is specific to the acquired absence of gallbladder after cholecystectomy.

Recovery time after a cholecystectomy can vary depending on the method used for the surgery. For laparoscopic surgery, full recovery often takes about two weeks, while healing from open surgery may take longer.

The gallbladder isn't essential for life, and its removal doesn't typically significantly impact the quality of life or the ability to digest food. However, some people may experience changes in bowel habits post-surgery.

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