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ICD-10 Coding for Cholestasis(O26.64-, K71.0, K83.1, Q44.2)

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

Also known as:

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of PregnancyObstructive CholestasisToxic Cholestasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cholestasis

O26.64-Primary Range

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Primary range for pregnancy-related cholestasis, requiring additional Z3A.- code for gestation.

Toxic liver disease with cholestasis

Used for cholestasis due to toxic agents, including drug-induced cases.

Obstructive cholestasis

Used for cases involving physical obstruction of bile flow.

Congenital biliary atresia

Used for congenital absence or closure of bile ducts.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
O26.64-Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancyUse for pregnant patients with documented intrahepatic cholestasis.
  • Bile acids >10 μmol/L
  • Normal biliary tree on ultrasound
K71.0Toxic liver disease with cholestasisUse for cholestasis due to known toxic agents.
  • R value (ALT/ALP) <2
  • Negative viral hepatitis panel
K83.1Obstructive cholestasisUse for cases with confirmed physical obstruction of bile flow.
  • Imaging confirming bile duct obstruction
Q44.2Congenital biliary atresiaUse for congenital absence or closure of bile ducts.
  • HIDA scan showing no biliary excretion

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 intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Essential facts and insights about Cholestasis

The ICD-10 code for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is O26.64-, requiring Z3A.- for gestation weeks.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cholestasis

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pruritus and elevated bile acids in pregnancy.

Applicable To

  • Pregnancy-related cholestasis

Excludes

  • Obstructive cholestasis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bile acids >10 μmol/L
  • Normal biliary tree on ultrasound

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as obstructive cholestasis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies intrahepatic cholestasis and gestational age.

Differential Codes

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

Obstructive cholestasis

K83.1
Presence of physical obstruction in bile ducts.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

O26.64-
Pregnancy-related with no physical obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cholestasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code O26.64-.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture of pregnancy status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues due to incomplete coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include gestational age in documentation., Use templates that prompt for gestational details.

Impact

Clinical: Misguided treatment plans., Regulatory: Incorrect coding leading to compliance issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical evaluation and documentation., Use decision support tools for accurate coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Use O26.64- for pregnancy-related cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Loss of specific clinical information.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify with the provider for specific type of cholestasis.

Impact

Failure to document gestational age with ICP codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for gestational age when coding ICP.

Impact

Lack of documentation for the causative toxic agent in cholestasis cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Require documentation of drug/toxin exposure in all relevant cases.

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

Documentation Templates for Cholestasis

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

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Specialty: Obstetrics

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Laboratory results
  • Imaging findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**CC**: 32yo G2P1 at 28w0d with severe palmar pruritus x1 week **Labs**: Total bile acids 18 μmol/L (ref: <10), ALT 65 U/L **Imaging**: RUQ ultrasound shows no gallstones/biliary dilation **Assessment**: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, third trimester **Plan**: Ursodiol 300mg BID, weekly NSTs

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with itching, possible cholestasis.
Good Documentation Example
32yo G2P1 at 28w0d with severe palmar pruritus, total bile acids 18 μmol/L, RUQ ultrasound normal.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and diagnostic findings.

Toxic Cholestasis

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Laboratory findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 68M developed jaundice 14 days after starting Augmentin for sinusitis. No abdominal pain. **Labs**: ALT 120, ALP 450, R value 0.26. Negative ANA/AMA. **Imaging**: MRCP shows patent biliary tree **Assessment**: Drug-induced cholestatic hepatitis (amoxicillin-clavulanate)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with jaundice, likely drug-related.
Good Documentation Example
68M with jaundice post-Augmentin, ALT 120, ALP 450, R value 0.26, MRCP normal.
Explanation
The good example specifies the drug, lab values, and imaging results.

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

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