ICD-10 Coding for Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites(K70.31, K74.60, B18.2, R18.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K70.31 | Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites | Use when ascites is due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. |
|
| K74.60 | Unspecified cirrhosis of liver | Use when cirrhosis is present but the cause is not specified. |
|
| B18.2 | Chronic viral hepatitis C | Use when hepatitis C is the underlying cause of cirrhosis. |
|
| R18.8 | Other ascites | Use to specify ascites as a complication of cirrhosis. |
|
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 cirrhosis of the liver with ascites
Essential facts and insights about Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cirrhosis of the liver with ascites
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented history of significant alcohol use.
Applicable To
- Alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis with fluid accumulation
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of alcohol use
- SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
- Low ascites protein (<1.5 g/dL)
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure alcohol use is documented as the cause.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies alcohol as the etiology.
K74.60 - Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Use when cirrhosis is present but the cause is not specified.
Applicable To
- Cirrhosis of liver without specified cause
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Liver biopsy or imaging showing cirrhosis
- SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
Coding Notes
Document the absence of a specified cause.
B18.2 - Chronic viral hepatitis C
Use when hepatitis C is the underlying cause of cirrhosis.
Applicable To
- Hepatitis C with chronic liver disease
Excludes
- Acute hepatitis C
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive HCV RNA
- Liver biopsy confirming fibrosis
Coding Notes
Document hepatitis C status and liver damage.
R18.8 - Other ascites
Use to specify ascites as a complication of cirrhosis.
Applicable To
- Ascites not otherwise specified
Excludes
- Ascites due to heart failure
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented fluid analysis
- SAAG and protein levels
Coding Notes
Document the cause of ascites.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other ascites
R18.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.31.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use 'ascites' with supporting clinical data., Ensure documentation links ascites to cirrhosis.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment., Compliance: Can result in coding errors and audits., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always link R18.8 to a cirrhosis code like K70.31 or K74.60.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Potential for coding audits., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Document the specific cause, such as alcohol or hepatitis C.
Impact
Failure to document the relationship between ascites and cirrhosis.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation explicitly links ascites to the underlying cirrhosis.
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 Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascites
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- History of alcohol use
- Paracentesis results
- SAAG and protein levels
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cirrhosis of the Liver with Ascites? Ask your questions below.