Cholangitis

This code represents inflammation of the bile ducts, often caused by bacterial infection, gallstones, or strictures. It can manifest as acute or chronic inflammation, affecting the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tree.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of cholangitis, such as "acute cholangitis," "chronic cholangitis," or "ascending cholangitis." Supporting documentation typically includes clinical signs of infection (fever, jaundice, abdominal pain), elevated liver enzymes, and imaging findings consistent with biliary inflammation.

• Differentiate from cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder); these are distinct conditions.
• Look for documentation specifying the cause of cholangitis (e.g., calculous, obstructive) for potential additional coding.
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "cholangitis" or a specific type of cholangitis.