K81.0 — Acute cholecystitis
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- This billing and coding article provides guidelines that complement Local Coverage Determination L34415 for CT of the abdomen and pelvis; consult LCD L34415 for specific coverage indications, limitations, and documentation requirements.
- All documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.
- Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service).
- The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is covered when it meets the reasonable and necessary requirements specified in Local Coverage Determination L33583.
- An ECG is covered when the result is relevant to the management, diagnosis, or treatment of the patient.
- A separate ECG on the same day as a cardiac stress test is payable only when it provides additional clinically necessary information beyond the stress test (e.g., to rule out acute myocardial infarction prior to performing the stress test).
- Rhythm ECGs are covered when used to evaluate signs or symptoms suggesting a cardiac rhythm disorder.
- Home-based ECG services (including additional payment above the base ECG amount for transportation) are covered when there is a documented medical need to perform the ECG in the patient's home, typically for homebound or bed-confined patients.
- A second professional component (PC) interpretation may be paid when a second physician’s substantially greater expertise is necessary and reasonable to clarify a questionable or confusing ECG finding and contributes substantially to diagnosis or treatment.
10 Active Policies
L33583 — Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
A57063 — Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
AETNA-CPB-0266 — Cholecystokinin Cholescintigraphy
AETNA-CPB-0384 — Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography
A56421 — Billing and Coding: CT of the Abdomen and Pelvis
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.