Calculus of gallbladder w acute cholecyst w/o obstruction

This code signifies the presence of gallstones within the gallbladder, accompanied by acute inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), but without any blockage of the bile ducts. It describes a symptomatic presentation of cholelithiasis where the inflammation is acute and there is no evidence of an obstructed biliary system.

This code is appropriate for patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis, where imaging (e.g., ultrasound) confirms gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening consistent with acute cholecystitis, and no common bile duct dilation or other signs of obstruction are noted. Documentation should clearly state "acute cholecystitis" and "calculus of gallbladder" with an explicit absence of obstruction.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" cholecystitis; chronic cholecystitis with calculus has a different code.
• Carefully review imaging reports and physician notes to confirm the absence of obstruction, as this significantly impacts code selection.
• Do not use this code if the cholecystitis is documented as chronic or if there is any mention of biliary obstruction (e.g., choledocholithiasis, common bile duct obstruction).