ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver(K70.30, K70.31)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K70.30 | Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascites | Use when alcoholic cirrhosis is confirmed without evidence of ascites. |
|
| K70.31 | Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites | Use when alcoholic cirrhosis is confirmed with evidence of ascites. |
|
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 alcoholic cirrhosis
Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcoholic cirrhosis of liver
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed alcoholic cirrhosis without ascites
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis without ascites
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic cirrhosis (K74.60)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing micronodular architecture
- AST:ALT ratio >2:1
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentifying ascites presence
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'alcoholic' to avoid unspecified coding.
K70.31 - Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites
Use when alcoholic cirrhosis is confirmed with evidence of ascites.
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic cirrhosis (K74.60)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ultrasound-confirmed ascites with SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'alcoholic' to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated
F10.20Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.30.
Impact
Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for related conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Review patient history for alcohol use, Ensure all related conditions are coded
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to confirm alcohol as the definitive etiology.
Impact
Failure to document ascites properly can lead to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on proper documentation of ascites and related findings.
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 Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Alcoholic cirrhosis with ascites
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- History of alcohol use
- Physical exam findings
- Lab results
- Imaging studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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