ICD-10 Coding for Cirrhosis(K70.30, K74.69)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cirrhosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cirrhosis
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes all liver diseases, with cirrhosis being a major condition within this category.
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 without ascites | Use when cirrhosis is due to alcohol and no ascites is present. |
|
| K74.69 | Other cirrhosis of liver | Use for non-alcoholic cirrhosis when specific etiology is documented. |
|
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 Cirrhosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cirrhosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented chronic alcohol use and liver biopsy results.
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis without ascites
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis with ascites (K70.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Chronic alcohol use (≥80g/day for >5 years)
- AST:ALT ratio >2
- Biopsy shows micronodular cirrhosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if ascites is present but not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure alcohol use is documented and quantified.
K74.69 - Other cirrhosis of liver
Use for non-alcoholic cirrhosis when specific etiology is documented.
Applicable To
- Cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic causes
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.30-K70.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- FibroScan CAP 320 dB/m
- Exclusion of viral/autoimmune etiologies
Coding Notes
Ensure etiology of cirrhosis is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential 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 to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.30.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always quantify alcohol use in history., Use standardized templates for documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use specific codes when the cause of cirrhosis is known.
Impact
Failure to document specific etiology of cirrhosis.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields in EHR for etiology documentation.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cirrhosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cirrhosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Cirrhosis with complications
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- History of alcohol use
- Liver biopsy results
- Presence of ascites or encephalopathy
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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