ICD-10 Coding for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy(K76.82, K72.00)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K76.82 | Hepatic encephalopathy | Use when hepatic encephalopathy is documented without liver failure. |
|
| K72.00 | Acute hepatic failure without coma | Use when acute hepatic failure is documented without coma. |
|
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 acute hepatic encephalopathy
Essential facts and insights about Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute hepatic encephalopathy
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented hepatic encephalopathy without liver failure
Applicable To
- Acute hepatic encephalopathy
- Chronic hepatic encephalopathy
Excludes
- Hepatic failure with coma (K72.01)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ammonia levels >79.5 µmol/L
- MRI showing hyperintensity in basal ganglia
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding when coma is present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of liver failure.
K72.00 - Acute hepatic failure without coma
Use when acute hepatic failure is documented without coma.
Applicable To
- Acute liver failure without coma
Excludes
- Hepatic encephalopathy (K76.82)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ALT >500 IU/L
- INR >1.5
Coding Notes
Ensure linkage between liver failure and encephalopathy.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.82.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition, Regulatory: Potential audit failure, Financial: Loss of reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Always document underlying liver disease., Link encephalopathy to specific liver condition.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Use K72.01 for hepatic failure with coma.
Impact
Using K76.82 when liver failure is present.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation clearly states absence of liver failure.
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 Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute hepatic encephalopathy without liver failure
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Explicit diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy
- Ammonia levels
- Neuroimaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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