ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Liver Tests(R94.5, K70.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abnormal Liver Tests. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Abnormal Liver Tests
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R94.5 | Abnormal results of liver function studies | Use when liver function tests are abnormal but no specific liver disease is diagnosed. |
|
| K70.0 | Alcoholic fatty liver | Use when alcohol is confirmed as the cause of liver abnormality. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for abnormal liver test
Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Liver Tests
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for abnormal liver test
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Abnormal liver function tests without a specific diagnosis.
documentation Criteria
- Documented abnormal ALT/AST levels with no specific liver disease.
Applicable To
- Abnormal liver function tests
Excludes
- Specific liver diseases (K70-K77)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented abnormal ALT/AST levels
- Negative for specific liver disease
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if specific liver disease is present but not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the use of R94.5 by excluding specific liver diseases.
K70.0 - Alcoholic fatty liver
Use when alcohol is confirmed as the cause of liver abnormality.
Applicable To
- Fatty liver due to alcohol
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (K76.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented alcohol use
- Liver biopsy or imaging confirming fatty liver
Coding Notes
Ensure alcohol use is documented to support this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Right upper quadrant pain
R10.11Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abnormal Liver Tests to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R94.5.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reimbursement issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of test results., Include negative findings in clinical notes.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use the specific liver disease code instead of R94.5.
Impact
R94.5 used without documented abnormal liver tests.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all abnormal test results are documented.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Liver Tests, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Abnormal Liver Tests
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abnormal Liver Tests. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with unexplained elevated liver enzymes
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Documented ALT/AST levels
- Negative viral hepatitis panel
- Ultrasound results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Liver Tests? Ask your questions below.