Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code: Coding, Billing & Documentation Guide

The most common Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code is 47562 for a standard laparoscopic gallbladder removal. However, CPT 47563 or 47564 may apply when cholangiography or common bile duct exploration is performed. Accurate billing also requires the correct ICD-10-CM diagnosis, documentation, NCCI review, and payer-specific rules.

For 2026, CMS recognizes CPT 47562, 47563 and 47564 for laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures . In addition, these codes are also identified in the current CMS Physician Fee Schedule data as having a 90-day global surgery period for Medicare purposes.

This guide covers the CPT coding and billing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy including the proper CPT and ICD-10-CM codes documentation requirements, NCCI considerations, global surgery rules, and common billing errors. Our goal is to help physicians, medical coders, billers and healthcare organizations to submit more accurate and well-supported claims for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

What Is the Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code?

For a routine laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder, the primary CPT code is:

CMS’s 2026 materials identify all three codes in its payment and procedure data.

The key distinction

The coder should not select 47562, 47563, or 47564 based simply on the surgeon’s preoperative diagnosis.

The operative report controls the procedure code.

For example:

• “Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed” → generally supports 47562 when no separately relevant cholangiography or common duct exploration is documented.
• “Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram” → evaluate 47563.
• “Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct” → evaluate 47564.

The diagnosis explains why the procedure was medically necessary; the CPT code describes what was performed.

Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Codes: 47562, 47563 and 47564

CPT 47562 — Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562 is generally the starting point when the surgeon removes the gallbladder laparoscopically without the additional elements that distinguish the other laparoscopic cholecystectomy codes.

A typical claim might look like:

CPT 47562
Diagnosis: K80.10 — calculus of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction

The exact ICD-10-CM code must come from the documentation. The coder should not assume chronic cholecystitis merely because the patient has longstanding gallstones.

CPT 47563 — Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with cholangiography

Use of 47563 should be supported by documentation that the procedure included the cholangiography component required by the code.

This is important because a surgeon’s brief statement such as “biliary anatomy evaluated” is not necessarily equivalent to documented operative cholangiography.

If cholangiography was actually performed, the operative note should make that clear and identify the relevant findings and technique.

CPT 47564 — Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common duct exploration

47564 is for a more extensive procedure involving exploration of the common duct in conjunction with the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Do not automatically use 47564 merely because the surgeon inspected the area around the common bile duct.

There is a significant coding difference between:

• identifying the common bile duct,
• dissecting the cystic duct,
• performing an intraoperative cholangiogram, and
• actually exploring the common bile duct.

The operative report needs to support the service represented by the selected CPT code.

Other Cholecystectomy CPT Codes Coders Should Know

Although 47562 is the primary answer to the question “What is the CPT code for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?”, a billing team should recognize related codes.

The exact CPT descriptor and instructional notes should always be checked in the current CPT codebook before claim submission. CMS payment files confirm the continued presence of the laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy code families in 2026.

Do not select an open cholecystectomy code simply because a laparoscopic procedure was converted to open. The coding circumstances, operative documentation, payer rules, and CPT instructions must be reviewed. Conversion coding is an area where a practice should not rely on an informal “lap plus open” rule.

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The diagnosis code is equally important to the claim because it establishes the condition being treated.

For FY 2026, CMS’s ICD-10-CM/PCS materials include extensive gallbladder and biliary tract diagnoses within the K80-K83 range.

The most important group for cholecystectomy is K80 — Cholelithiasis.

Common K80 ICD-10-CM codes

CMS’s FY 2026 materials specifically list the K80.00-K80.21, K80.62-K80.67 and K80.80-K80.81 families among the applicable diagnoses.

Why the final digits matter

A coder should pay close attention to three separate clinical questions:

1. Are gallstones documented?
2. Is cholecystitis documented?
3. Is obstruction documented?

For example:

• Gallstone without cholecystitis and without obstruction → K80.20
• Gallstone with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction → K80.10
• Gallstone with acute cholecystitis without obstruction → K80.00
• Gallstone with acute cholecystitis and obstruction → K80.01

Do not choose the more specific diagnosis merely because it appears clinically plausible.

Cholecystitis ICD-10-CM Codes Without a Gallstone Diagnosis

Sometimes the provider documents cholecystitis but does not establish that it is caused by a calculus.

Relevant FY 2026 codes include:

CMS’s FY 2026 ICD-10-CM material confirms these codes.

The distinction between K80 and K81 matters.

If the final documentation says:

“Acute calculous cholecystitis”

the K80 family should be evaluated.

If the provider documents:

“Acute cholecystitis”

without establishing a calculus, K81.0 may be appropriate depending on the complete record and applicable coding guidelines.

Other Relevant Gallbladder and Biliary Diagnosis Codes

Depending on the clinical circumstances, other diagnoses may support or accompany a cholecystectomy claim.

These codes are represented in the FY 2026 CMS ICD-10-CM/PCS materials.

A complication such as gallbladder perforation or gangrene should not be inferred from the procedure being difficult. The provider needs to document the condition.

Symptom and Findings Codes: When They Matter

Sometimes the patient presents with symptoms such as:

• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Epigastric pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Biliary-type pain
• Abnormal imaging

Examples of potentially relevant symptom/finding codes include R10.11 for right upper quadrant pain and R10.13 for epigastric pain.

However, symptoms should not automatically replace a definitive diagnosis.

If the surgeon documents a confirmed gallstone disorder or cholecystitis, the final diagnosis should be coded according to the applicable ICD-10-CM guidelines rather than simply defaulting to the presenting symptom.

This is especially important when the operative diagnosis, discharge diagnosis, pathology and preoperative diagnosis differ.

How CPT and ICD-10-CM Work Together on a Lap Chole Claim

A useful way to think about the claim is:

CPT = What was done
ICD-10-CM = Why it was done

For example:

Example 1 — Routine chronic gallstone disease

Documentation:

Symptomatic cholelithiasis with chronic cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed. No cholangiogram or common duct exploration.

Potential coding:

• CPT: 47562
• ICD-10-CM: K80.10

Example 2 — Acute calculous cholecystitis

Documentation:

Acute cholecystitis due to gallstone. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed without documented obstruction.

Potential coding:

• CPT: 47562
• ICD-10-CM: K80.00

Example 3 — Cholecystectomy with operative cholangiography

Documentation:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with operative cholangiography. Cholangiogram demonstrated patent common bile duct.

Potential coding:

• CPT: 47563
• ICD-10-CM: Based on the documented underlying diagnosis.

The diagnosis does not change from K80.10 to another code merely because a cholangiogram was performed.

Documentation Requirements for Accurate Lap Chole Coding

A clean claim begins with a complete operative report.

At minimum, the documentation should allow the coder to determine:

1. The indication

The record should identify the condition prompting surgery.

Examples:

• Symptomatic cholelithiasis
• Acute calculous cholecystitis
• Chronic cholecystitis
• Gallbladder obstruction
• Other documented gallbladder disease

2. The procedure actually performed

The surgeon should clearly state:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
• Open cholecystectomy
• Converted laparoscopic-to-open procedure, when applicable
• Additional biliary procedures

3. Operative technique

The note should describe enough of the procedure to establish the service actually performed.

4. Cholangiography

If performed, documentation should identify the operative cholangiogram rather than leaving the coder to infer it from a fluoroscopy image or vague reference to biliary anatomy.

5. Common bile duct exploration

If performed, the operative report should specifically describe the exploration.

6. Intraoperative findings

Useful findings include:

• Gallstones
• Acute inflammation
• Chronic inflammation
• Gangrene
• Perforation
• Adhesions
• Bile duct findings
• Anatomical abnormalities

7. Complications

If there was bleeding, bile leakage, organ injury, perforation or another complication, the documentation should identify what occurred and how it was treated.

8. Specimen

The gallbladder specimen should be identified and submitted to pathology according to facility protocol.

Pathology Billing for the Gallbladder

The surgeon’s cholecystectomy claim and the pathology claim are separate billing considerations.

CMS’s 2026 materials identify CPT 88304 as a Level III surgical pathology service and specifically include gallbladder among the specimens represented by the code.

Depending on the billing arrangement, pathology services may involve:

• 88304 — surgical pathology examination
• Technical component billing
• Professional component billing
• Facility-specific pathology arrangements

Do not automatically append pathology CPT 88304 to the surgeon’s professional claim. The entity actually providing and billing the pathology service determines the appropriate claim.

Anesthesia Billing for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Anesthesia is generally billed separately by the anesthesia professional when applicable.

CPT 00790 is an anesthesia code for procedures on the upper abdomen and appears in current CMS practitioner data.

The anesthesia provider must select the anesthesia code based on the current CPT anesthesia guidelines and the actual procedure.

Anesthesia claims also require consideration of:

• Anesthesia start and stop time
• Modifier requirements
• Physical status modifiers
• Qualifying circumstances, if applicable
• Payer-specific rules
• Medical direction/supervision rules when applicable

The surgeon’s CPT 47562 claim and the anesthesia claim should not be treated as interchangeable services.

Is Intraoperative Cholangiography Separately Billable?

This is one of the most common areas of confusion.

When the laparoscopic cholecystectomy code itself includes the cholangiography component—as with 47563—the coder should not simply add another code for the same included service.

CMS’s NCCI policy states that surgical laparoscopy includes diagnostic laparoscopy and that a diagnostic laparoscopy leading to a surgical laparoscopy is not separately reported. The NCCI manual also contains specific guidance regarding included services and cholecystectomy.

The correct approach is to:

1. Identify what was actually performed.
2. Read the CPT code descriptor and parenthetical instructions.
3. Review NCCI edits.
4. Check the payer’s policy.
5. Report only separately payable services that meet the applicable requirements.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy With Cholecystectomy

A common coding error is billing diagnostic laparoscopy separately from the definitive laparoscopic procedure.

CMS’s NCCI policy is clear: surgical laparoscopy includes diagnostic laparoscopy, and when diagnostic laparoscopy leads to a surgical laparoscopy during the same encounter, only the surgical procedure is generally reported.

Therefore, a surgeon generally should not submit an additional diagnostic laparoscopy code simply because the abdomen was inspected before performing the cholecystectomy.

The same principle applies when inspection is an inherent part of completing the surgical procedure.

NCCI Edits and Lap Chole Billing

Before submitting a claim, billing teams should check the applicable National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits.

CMS updates its Medicare NCCI files quarterly. As of July 1, 2026, CMS has published the Quarter 3 2026 practitioner and hospital outpatient PTP edit files.

NCCI includes:

• Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits
• Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs)
• Add-on code edits

A PTP edit can prevent payment when two codes should not ordinarily be reported together. In some circumstances, a clinically appropriate modifier can affect the edit.

Importantly, NCCI is not a medical-necessity determination system. CMS specifically states that NCCI edits are not based on diagnosis codes and are not a prior authorization or medical review program.

Global Surgery Billing for CPT 47562

Another important billing consideration is the postoperative global period.

CMS’s 2026 physician fee schedule data lists:

• 47562 — 090
• 47563 — 090
• 47564 — 090

The 090 indicator represents a 90-day global surgery period in the Medicare physician fee schedule framework.

This has practical implications.

A routine postoperative visit that is included in the applicable global surgical package should not ordinarily be billed as a separate office visit to Medicare simply because the patient returned for routine postoperative care.

However, not every service provided during a global period is automatically included. The billing team must evaluate:

• Whether the service is related to the surgery
• Whether it is routine postoperative care
• Whether a complication occurred
• Whether another unrelated condition was evaluated
• Whether a procedure was performed
• Whether a modifier is appropriate
• Medicare global surgery rules
• Commercial payer rules

Never use modifier 24, 25, 57, 58, 78 or 79 simply to force payment. The clinical circumstances must support the modifier under the applicable rules.

Common Lap Cholecystectomy Billing Errors

1. Using 47562 for every laparoscopic gallbladder surgery

This ignores the distinctions between standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cholecystectomy with cholangiography, and cholecystectomy with common duct exploration.

Fix: Read the operative report before choosing the CPT code.

2. Coding obstruction without documentation

A gallstone is not automatically an obstructing gallstone.

Fix: Look specifically for documented obstruction and select the ICD-10-CM code that matches the record.

3. Coding cholecystitis from imaging alone

An ultrasound may show gallstones or findings suggestive of inflammation, but coding should follow the applicable ICD-10-CM reporting rules and provider documentation requirements.

Fix: Review the provider’s final diagnostic statement.

4. Reporting diagnostic laparoscopy separately

This can create a bundling/NCCI problem.

Fix: Surgical laparoscopy generally encompasses diagnostic laparoscopy when it leads to the surgical procedure.

5. Adding a separate code for an included component

A coder may see an intraoperative service documented and assume it should be separately billed.

Fix: Check the CPT descriptor, CPT instructions and NCCI policy before reporting another code.

6. Ignoring the postoperative global period

Billing a routine postoperative visit as a separate E/M service can lead to denials or overpayment concerns.

Fix: Determine whether the encounter is included in the 90-day global period and whether an exception applies.

7. Using unspecified ICD-10 codes when the documentation is specific

For example, choosing K81.9 when the record clearly establishes acute cholecystitis with gallstones can result in unnecessary loss of diagnostic specificity.

Fix: Code to the highest level of specificity supported by the record.

8. Assuming pathology determines the original diagnosis automatically

Pathology can provide clinically useful information, but coders should follow the applicable outpatient or inpatient diagnosis-coding guidelines rather than independently changing the diagnosis based solely on a pathology report.

Fix: Apply the official ICD-10-CM guidelines for the setting and documentation available.

A Practical Lap Chole Coding Workflow

A reliable workflow for coders and billing teams is:

Step 1: Confirm the date of service

Coding rules change. Verify the applicable CPT, ICD-10-CM, NCCI and payer rules for that date.

Step 2: Identify the procedure

Was the operation:

• Laparoscopic?
• Open?
• Converted?
• Laparoscopic with cholangiography?
• Laparoscopic with common duct exploration?

Step 3: Read the complete operative report

Do not code from the procedure title alone.

Step 4: Identify the final diagnosis

Determine whether the patient had:

• Cholelithiasis
• Acute cholecystitis
• Chronic cholecystitis
• Acute and chronic cholecystitis
• Obstruction
• Bile duct disease
• Perforation
• Gangrene
• Another gallbladder condition

Step 5: Select the most specific ICD-10-CM code

Use the documented clinical detail.

Step 6: Check NCCI

Review the current quarterly files and policy manual for applicable bundling and unit edits. CMS publishes updated Medicare files quarterly.

Step 7: Check global surgery status

For Medicare, the principal laparoscopic cholecystectomy codes have a 90-day global indicator in the 2026 fee schedule data.

Step 8: Review payer policy

Commercial insurers and Medicaid programs can have requirements that differ from traditional Medicare FFS rules. CMS itself notes that Medicare NCCI does not control how private insurers implement their own policies.

Step 9: Validate documentation

If the record does not support the selected code, query the provider through the organization’s compliant query process when appropriate.

Step 10: Submit and audit

Monitor:

• Denial reason codes
• Medical-necessity denials
• Bundling denials
• Authorization denials
• Global-period denials
• Diagnosis-related denials
• Modifier-related denials

Lap Cholectomy CPT and ICD-10 Coding Cheat Sheet

The CPT selection and diagnosis selection are separate decisions. The same CPT code can be reported for different gallbladder diagnoses when the operative service is the same.

Inpatient Hospital Coding: CPT Is Not the Principal Procedure Code

There is an important distinction between professional/outpatient CPT billing and inpatient hospital ICD-10-PCS coding.

For inpatient hospital facility coding, the hospital does not report the surgeon’s CPT 47562 as its inpatient procedure code. Instead, inpatient procedures are reported using ICD-10-PCS.

For laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS system includes:

0FT44ZZ — Resection of gallbladder, percutaneous endoscopic approach.

CMS’s FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS material identifies this code under laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It also identifies 0FT40ZZ for resection of the gallbladder using an open approach.

This distinction is essential:

• Professional physician claim: CPT + ICD-10-CM
• Hospital inpatient facility claim: ICD-10-CM + ICD-10-PCS
• Hospital outpatient/facility billing: HCPCS/CPT and applicable facility coding/payment methodology

Do not substitute ICD-10-PCS for CPT on a professional surgeon claim.

How Documentation Affects Reimbursement

A technically correct CPT code can still result in a denied claim if the documentation does not establish medical necessity.

A strong record creates a logical connection:

Symptoms/clinical evaluation → diagnosis → surgical indication → procedure performed → postoperative management

For example:

Patient evaluated for symptomatic gallstone disease. Imaging and clinical assessment support chronic cholecystitis. Surgeon recommends laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Operative report documents laparoscopic removal of gallbladder without cholangiography or common duct exploration.

That documentation supports a much cleaner coding pathway than:

“Gallbladder removed laparoscopically.”

The second statement may identify the broad procedure but leaves significant questions about diagnosis, additional services and clinical circumstances.

How Billing Teams Can Reduce Lap Chole Denials

A focused audit should review at least these fields:

Procedure

• Is 47562/47563/47564 supported?
• Is the operative approach documented?
• Is cholangiography documented if 47563 is billed?
• Is common duct exploration documented if 47564 is billed?

Diagnosis

• Is cholelithiasis documented?
• Is cholecystitis documented?
• Is the condition acute, chronic, or both?
• Is obstruction documented?
• Are complications documented?

Claim

• Correct payer?
• Correct place of service?
• Correct rendering/billing provider?
• Appropriate modifier?
• Authorization obtained when required?
• Global-period issue reviewed?

Compliance

• Current CPT/ICD-10-CM version used?
• Current NCCI edits checked?
• Payer-specific policy reviewed?
• Medical record supports the submitted code?

CMS publishes the current NCCI policy manual annually and the PTP files quarterly, making date-of-service validation particularly important.

Final Takeaway

The Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code is commonly 47562 for laparoscopic gallbladder removal without cholangiography. Other codes, including 47563 and 47564, may apply when additional procedures are performed.

Accurate billing depends on the operative documentation, procedure performed, and specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis. Common diagnosis categories include K80 (cholelithiasis) and K81 (cholecystitis), with more specific codes used for conditions such as obstruction, perforation, or gangrene.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code

What is the CPT code for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

The standard Lap Cholecystectomy CPT Code is 47562 when the documented service is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy without the additional elements represented by 47563 or 47564. CMS lists 47562 as laparoscopic cholecystectomy in its 2026 payment data.

What is CPT 47563 used for?

CPT 47563 is used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the cholangiography component described by the code. The operative report must support that service.

What is CPT 47564 used for?

CPT 47564 is used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common duct exploration as described by CPT. Mere visualization or routine dissection around the biliary anatomy does not automatically establish common duct exploration.

What ICD-10-CM code is commonly used with CPT 47562?

There is no single mandatory diagnosis code for 47562. Common diagnoses include K80.20 for calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis or obstruction, K80.10 for calculus with chronic cholecystitis without obstruction, and K80.00 for calculus with acute cholecystitis without obstruction. The correct code depends on the documented diagnosis.

Can K81.0 be billed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Yes, when the provider documents acute cholecystitis without a documented calculus diagnosis and the procedure is otherwise supported. The applicable ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements should be followed.

Is diagnostic laparoscopy separately billable with laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Generally, no when the diagnostic laparoscopy leads to the surgical laparoscopy during the same encounter. CMS NCCI policy specifically addresses this bundling principle.

Does CPT 47562 have a global period?

For Medicare’s 2026 physician fee schedule data, 47562 carries a 090 global surgery indicator, corresponding to a 90-day global period.

What is the ICD-10-PCS code for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

For inpatient hospital coding, 0FT44ZZ represents resection of the gallbladder using a percutaneous endoscopic approach. ICD-10-PCS is used for inpatient facility procedure coding rather than CPT 47562.

Is gallbladder pathology separately billed?

The pathology service may be separately billed by the pathology provider. 88304 is the surgical pathology code that includes gallbladder among its listed specimens in current CMS materials.