ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Liver Disease(K70.30, K74.60)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Liver Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Liver Disease
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes all liver diseases, with specific codes for chronic liver conditions such as cirrhosis and fibrosis.
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 | Use when cirrhosis is directly linked to alcohol consumption. |
|
| K74.60 | Unspecified cirrhosis of liver | Use when cirrhosis is diagnosed but the cause is not specified. |
|
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 Chronic Liver Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic liver disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- History of alcohol use and biopsy confirmation
Applicable To
- Alcoholic cirrhosis with ascites
- Alcoholic cirrhosis with portal hypertension
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented history of alcohol use
- Liver biopsy confirming cirrhosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if alcohol use is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure alcohol use is documented to avoid misclassification.
K74.60 - Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Use when cirrhosis is diagnosed but the cause is not specified.
Applicable To
- Cirrhosis without specified cause
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis
- Viral hepatitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing nodular liver
- Lab tests indicating liver dysfunction
Coding Notes
Ensure to document any known causes to avoid unspecified coding.
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 Chronic Liver Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.30.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history taking, Regular documentation audits
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Poor data quality and inaccurate health records
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the underlying cause if known.
Impact
High risk of audits due to frequent misclassification of cirrhosis etiology.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of etiology and 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 Chronic Liver Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Liver Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Liver Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis with Complications
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Etiology of cirrhosis
- Complications present
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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