Obstructive Jaundice ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Obstructive Jaundice

Obstructive jaundice is when the skin and eyes become yellow due to impaired bile flow from the liver. ICD-10 uses different codes to classify cases of obstructive jaundice based on the cause and clinical manifestations. 

Here are commonly used Obstructive Jaundice ICD-10 codes, along with their clinical descriptions:

• K83.0 - Obstruction of the bile duct: This code is used when there is a blockage or obstruction in the bile duct, which can be caused by various factors such as gallstones, tumors, or strictures. Obstruction leads to a buildup of bile in the liver and results in jaundice.
• K83.1 - Hydrops of the gallbladder: Hydrops of the gallbladder refer to the distension and enlargement of the gallbladder due to an obstruction in the cystic duct, which can obstruct bile flow and cause jaundice.
• K83.2 - Perforation of the bile duct: This code is used when there is a rupture or perforation of the bile duct, which can lead to bile leakage and result in obstructive jaundice.
• K83.3 - Fistula of the bile duct: A bile duct fistula is an abnormal connection between the bile duct and another structure, such as the intestine or abdominal wall. It can disrupt normal bile flow, leading to jaundice.
• K83.8 - Other specified diseases of the biliary tract: This code encompasses various specific biliary tract disorders that can cause obstructive jaundice, including rare conditions or those with less clear clinical presentations.
• K83.9 - Disease of the biliary tract, unspecified: When the exact nature of the biliary tract disorder causing obstructive jaundice is not specified or known, this code is used for cases of unspecified biliary tract diseases.
• C22.0 - Liver cell carcinoma: In some cases, obstructive jaundice may be due to liver cell carcinoma (liver cancer), which can block bile ducts and cause jaundice.
• C24.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the extrahepatic bile duct: Obstructive jaundice can also result from malignant tumors in the extrahepatic bile ducts, leading to obstruction.
• C25.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the head of the pancreas: Pancreatic cancer, mainly when it occurs in the head of the pancreas, can compress or obstruct the common bile duct, causing jaundice.
• K80.6 - Obstruction of the bile duct (other) without mention of calculus: This code is used when there is a bile duct obstruction without the presence of gallstones (calculi) as the primary cause.

Which Obstructive Jaundice ICD codes are Billable: 

The billability of an ICD-10 code for obstructive jaundice depends on the patient's history, clinical context, provider's documentation, and payer's policies. Here are commonly used codes and their billability status.

• K83.0 - Obstruction of the bile duct: Yes. 
• K83.1 - Hydrops of the gallbladder: Yes. 
• K83.2 - Perforation of the bile duct: Yes. 
• K83.3 - Fistula of the bile duct: Yes. 
• K83.8 - Other specified diseases of the biliary tract: Yes. 
• K83.9 - Disease of the biliary tract, unspecified: Yes. 
• C22.0 - Liver cell carcinoma: Yes. 
• C24.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the extrahepatic bile duct: Yes. 
• C25.0 - Malignant neoplasm of the head of the pancreas: Yes. 
• K80.6 - Obstruction of the bile duct (other) without mention of calculus: Yes. 

ICD-10 codes may be billed differently based on various factors and payer requirements. Accurate clinical documentation is critical for billing and reimbursement. Healthcare providers, coders, and facilities must follow payer guidelines to determine code billability.

Clinical Information

• Patients with obstructive jaundice may present with yellowing of the skin and eyes (icterus), dark urine, pale stools, and generalized pruritus (itching). Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Obstructive jaundice can result from various underlying causes, including gallstones, tumors (pancreatic, bile duct, or liver), strictures, cysts, or inflammation of the bile ducts.
• Healthcare providers may observe jaundice during the physical examination. Abdominal tenderness or palpable masses may be present, depending on the cause.
• Blood tests, such as elevated bilirubin levels, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminase, indicate obstructive jaundice. Liver function tests help assess liver damage.
• Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can reveal the site and nature of the obstruction.
• ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can assist in diagnosing and treating bile duct obstructions by visualizing the biliary tree and performing interventions.
• In cases of suspected tumors or cancer, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the nature of the growth.
• Management depends on the cause. Surgical intervention may be required for tumor resection, and endoscopic procedures may be used to remove gallstones or place stents to relieve obstructions.
• Obstructive jaundice can lead to complications like cholangitis (infection of the bile duct), liver damage, and nutritional deficiencies due to impaired fat absorption.
• The prognosis varies based on the underlying cause and the timeliness of intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for a better outcome.
• Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor treatment progress, assess for recurrence, and manage any long-term consequences.
• A team of specialists, including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons, and oncologists, may care for patients with obstructive jaundice, ensuring a comprehensive approach to treatment and management.
• It is essential to educate patients about the underlying cause, treatment options, and the importance of adherence to medical recommendations to optimize their health and well-being.

Synonyms Include

• Cholestatic jaundice
• Biliary obstruction
• Cholestasis-induced jaundice
• Obstructive icterus
• Bile duct obstruction-associated jaundice