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ICD-10 Coding for Biliary Cirrhosis(K74.3, K74.4, K74.5, K83.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Biliary Cirrhosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Primary Biliary CirrhosisSecondary Biliary CirrhosisPrimary Biliary Cholangitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Biliary Cirrhosis

K74.3-K74.5Primary Range

Biliary cirrhosis codes

These codes cover primary, secondary, and unspecified biliary cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cholangitis

This code is used for primary biliary cholangitis, reflecting updated terminology.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K74.3Primary biliary cirrhosisUse when documentation specifies primary biliary cirrhosis with supporting lab results.
  • AMA positivity
  • Elevated ALP
  • Liver biopsy findings
K74.4Secondary biliary cirrhosisUse when cirrhosis is due to a secondary cause like bile duct obstruction.
  • Imaging showing bile duct obstruction
  • ERCP findings
K74.5Unspecified biliary cirrhosisUse when documentation does not specify primary or secondary.
    K83.0Primary biliary cholangitisUse when documentation specifies primary biliary cholangitis without cirrhosis.
    • AMA positivity
    • Elevated ALP

    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 primary biliary cirrhosis

    Essential facts and insights about Biliary Cirrhosis

    The ICD-10 code for primary biliary cirrhosis is K74.3, requiring AMA positivity and elevated ALP.

    Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for biliary cirrhosis

    Primary biliary cirrhosis
    Billable Code

    Decision Criteria

    clinical Criteria

    • Presence of AMA positivity and elevated ALP

    documentation Criteria

    • Explicit mention of 'primary biliary cirrhosis'

    Applicable To

    • Primary biliary cholangitis

    Excludes

    • Secondary biliary cirrhosis (K74.4)

    Clinical Validation Requirements

    • AMA positivity
    • Elevated ALP
    • Liver biopsy findings

    Code-Specific Risks

    • Confusion with secondary biliary cirrhosis
    • Misclassification as unspecified biliary cirrhosis

    Coding Notes

    • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' and includes lab results.

    Ancillary Codes

    Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

    Esophageal varices with bleeding

    I85.11
    Use when varices are a complication of cirrhosis.

    Primary biliary cholangitis

    K83.0
    Use if documentation specifies cholangitis without cirrhosis.

    Differential Codes

    Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

    Secondary biliary cirrhosis

    K74.4
    Documented bile duct obstruction or stricture.

    Primary biliary cirrhosis

    K74.3
    AMA positivity and no bile duct obstruction.

    Documentation & Coding Risks

    Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Biliary Cirrhosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K74.3.

    Impact

    Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

    Mitigation Strategy

    Ensure detailed documentation of etiology., Include all relevant lab and imaging results.

    Impact

    Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

    Mitigation Strategy

    Ensure documentation specifies the cause of cirrhosis.

    Impact

    Reimbursement: Potential reduction in reimbursement., Compliance: Fails to meet specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreased data accuracy for clinical research.

    Mitigation Strategy

    Query provider for more specific information.

    Impact

    Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

    Mitigation Strategy

    Ensure documentation supports the most specific code.

    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 Biliary Cirrhosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

    Documentation Templates for Biliary Cirrhosis

    Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Biliary Cirrhosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

    Diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis

    Specialty: Gastroenterology

    Required Elements

    • AMA titer
    • ALP levels
    • Liver biopsy results

    Example Documentation

    Patient diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis confirmed by AMA titer 1:160 and liver biopsy showing florid duct lesions.

    Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

    Poor Documentation Example
    Patient has biliary cirrhosis.
    Good Documentation Example
    Patient diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis confirmed by positive AMA at 1:160 titer and liver biopsy showing florid duct lesions.
    Explanation
    The good example provides specific lab results and biopsy findings, supporting the diagnosis.

    Need help with ICD-10 coding for Biliary Cirrhosis? Ask your questions below.

    Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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