Gallstones ICD-10-CM Codes

What are Gallstones ICD-10-CM Codes?

Gallstones, medically known as cholelithiasis, are hardened deposits—often pebble-like pieces—that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. These stones can block bile flow, leading to complications like inflammation, infection, or obstruction in the biliary tract. Gallstones may consist of cholesterol stones (the most common type) or pigment stones formed from excess red blood cells breaking down into bile pigments.

The ICD-10-CM system classifies gallstones diagnosed with or without associated complications such as acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, or cholangitis. The base category K80 – Cholelithiasis includes codes that reflect the location (e.g., gallbladder, common bile duct), presence of obstruction, and type of inflammation.

Guidelines emphasize the use of combination codes with 4th and 5th digits to provide greater diagnostic specificity, particularly for cholecystitis calculus, cholangitis calculus, and gallbladder with acute cholecystitis involving obstruction.

Here are the updated billable codes for cholelithiasis calculus and related conditions:

• K80.00 – Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction
• K80.01 – Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis with obstruction
• K80.10 – Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction
• K80.11 – Calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis with obstruction
• K80.20 – Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis and without obstruction
• K80.21 – Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis and with obstruction
• K80.30 – Calculus of bile duct with cholangitis without obstruction
• K80.31 – Calculus of bile duct with cholangitis with obstruction
• K80.40 – Calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis without obstruction
• K80.41 – Calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis with obstruction
• K80.50 – Calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis without obstruction
• K80.51 – Calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis with obstruction
• K80.60 – Calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis and cholangitis without obstruction
• K80.61 – Calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis and cholangitis with obstruction
• K80.8 – Other specified diseases of cholelithiasis
• K80.9 – Cholelithiasis, unspecified (used when the specific type is not documented)

Which Gallstones ICD-10-CM Codes are billable?

All codes listed are valid and billable under the 2025 ICD-10-CM coding system.

Clinical information

Gallstones form when there is too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin in the bile, or when the gallbladder contracts inefficiently. These imbalances in the digestive system can cause stones to crystallize.

Symptoms and diagnosis

• Many people develop gallstones but remain asymptomatic. When symptoms appear, gallstone pain is typically located in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades.
• A sudden gallbladder attack—often triggered after fatty meals—causes sharp abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice.
• Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRCP are essential for diagnosis.
• Blood tests may reveal signs of infection or liver dysfunction.

Complications

• Gallstones can cause acute and chronic cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or cholangitis.
• When a cystic duct or common bile duct is blocked, bile backs up, leading to infection or pancreatitis.
• These conditions are part of diseases classified under K80 cholelithiasis and may require urgent medical attention.

Treatment and prevention

• Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) is the standard treatment for symptomatic stones or complications.
• Non-surgical options (like bile acid dissolution) are limited and reserved for specific cases.
• To prevent gallstones, maintain a healthy weight, avoid rapid weight loss, eat a balanced diet, and monitor risk factors such as family history, Native American ancestry, or underlying digestive disorders.

Other facts to know

• The K80 category of ICD-10-CM covers all forms of gallstones, including those with cholecystitis, cholangitis, and biliary obstruction.
• Use detailed codes such as K80.00–K80.61 to document the precise type of cholelithiasis calculus in the gallbladder, bile duct, or both.
• Accurate diagnosis, supported by clinical findings and imaging, is critical for treatment planning and billing.
• Understanding gallstone pathology, symptoms, and complications helps improve care and reduce recurrence.

Synonyms include

• Cholelithiasis
• Gallstone disease
• Gallbladder stones
• Biliary calculi