Calculus of bile duct w/o cholangitis or cholecyst w obst

This code signifies the presence of gallstones or other concretions within the bile ducts, causing a blockage in the flow of bile. Importantly, there is no associated inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis) or the gallbladder (cholecystitis) at the time of diagnosis. The primary issue is the physical obstruction caused by the calculus.

Use this code when imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, MRCP, ERCP) confirm the presence of bile duct stones leading to obstruction, and the physician's documentation explicitly rules out concurrent cholangitis or cholecystitis. This is appropriate for patients presenting with symptoms like jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, or abdominal pain due to bile duct blockage without signs of infection or gallbladder inflammation.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of cholangitis or cholecystitis. If either is present, a more specific code is required.
• Distinguish this from cholelithiasis (gallstones in the gallbladder) without bile duct obstruction, which uses codes from the K80.2-K80.4 series.
• If the obstruction is due to something other than a calculus (e.g., stricture, tumor), a different code should be selected.