ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Hepatitis(K70.1, K70.10, K70.11)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Alcoholic Hepatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Alcoholic Hepatitis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K70.1 | Alcoholic hepatitis | Use when alcoholic hepatitis is the primary diagnosis and documented as such. |
|
| K70.10 | Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites | Use when alcoholic hepatitis is diagnosed without ascites. |
|
| K70.11 | Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites | Use when alcoholic hepatitis is diagnosed with 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 hepatitis
Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Hepatitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcoholic hepatitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of jaundice and history of alcohol use
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'alcoholic hepatitis' in medical records
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented history of alcohol use
- AST:ALT ratio >1.5
- Bilirubin >3 mg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with viral hepatitis
- Incorrect sequencing with complications
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'alcoholic hepatitis' and includes relevant lab values.
K70.10 - Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites
Use when alcoholic hepatitis is diagnosed without ascites.
Excludes
- Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites (K70.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented absence of ascites
- AST:ALT ratio >1.5
Coding Notes
Ensure ascites is not present or documented.
K70.11 - Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites
Use when alcoholic hepatitis is diagnosed with ascites.
Excludes
- Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites (K70.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented presence of ascites
- AST:ALT ratio >1.5
Coding Notes
Ensure ascites is documented and linked to alcoholic hepatitis.
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 Alcoholic Hepatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate patient history affecting treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific alcohol consumption patterns., Include duration and quantity of alcohol use.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K70.11 if ascites is present and documented.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential loss of MCC status affecting DRG assignment., Compliance: Failure to follow coding rules for linkage., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient's condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K70.4 if encephalopathy is documented as alcohol-induced.
Impact
Failure to document MCCs like ascites can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of all complications.
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 Hepatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Alcoholic Hepatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Inpatient Admission for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- History of alcohol use
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Imaging studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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