Cholesterolosis of gallbladder

This code represents a benign, non-inflammatory condition of the gallbladder characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol esters and triglycerides within the gallbladder wall, often appearing as yellow spots or "strawberry gallbladder." It is typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging or surgery.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states "cholesterolosis of gallbladder" without any mention of cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. This diagnosis is often made based on imaging findings (e.g., ultrasound, CT) or histopathological examination of a resected gallbladder.

• Do not use this code if cholecystitis or cholelithiasis is also present; refer to the Excludes1 notes for appropriate codes.
• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies cholesterolosis and not another gallbladder pathology.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis when a patient undergoes cholecystectomy for other reasons, or an incidental finding.