ICD Code K85.9

ICD code K85.9 is acute pancreatitis, unspecified, meaning inflammation of the pancreas that has come on suddenly, but the specific cause or type has not been identified.

1. Sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Elevated serum amylase and/or lipase levels (typically three times the upper limit of normal)

4. Absence of a clear etiology such as gallstones or alcohol use, or insufficient information to specify the cause

5. Imaging findings (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) consistent with acute inflammation of the pancreas

6. No evidence of chronic pancreatitis or other specific pancreatic disorders

Relevant CPT codes that may be used to treat ICD code K85.9 include:

- 99221–99223 (Initial hospital care)

- 99231–99233 (Subsequent hospital care)

- 99238–99239 (Hospital discharge services)

- 36415 (Collection of venous blood)

- 80048 (Basic metabolic panel)

- 80076 (Hepatic function panel)

- 74177 (CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast)

- 96365 (Intravenous infusion, initial, up to 1 hour)

- 96372 (Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection)

- 43235 (Upper GI endoscopy, diagnostic)

- 49083 (Abdominal paracentesis, diagnostic or therapeutic)

CPT code selection should be based on the specific services rendered for ICD code K85.9.

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