Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM K85.9 is the diagnosis code for Acute pancreatitis, unspecified. This code falls under the section "Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas" within Chapter 11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
Understanding where K85.9 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, K85.9 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
K85.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acute pancreatitis, unspecified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of K85.9 is K85 ("Acute pancreatitis"). K85.9 provides a more specific classification within this category.
K85.9 is located in Section K80-K87 — "Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
K85.9 has 1918 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: A00, A01, A02, A03, A04 and more.
Use K85.9 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acute pancreatitis, unspecified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Acute pancreatitis, unspecified is K85.9.
No, K85.9 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
K85.9 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, K85.9 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.