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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase(R74.01)

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

Also known as:

Elevated ASTIncreased AST levelsHigh AST

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase

R70-R79Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal blood chemistry findings, including elevated liver enzymes such as AST.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated AST

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase

The ICD-10 code for elevated AST is R74.01, used when AST levels are elevated without a confirmed diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for elevated aspartate aminotransferase

Elevated liver enzymes
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • AST >40 U/L with no known cause

coding Criteria

  • No definitive diagnosis established

documentation Criteria

  • Documented exclusion of known causes

Applicable To

  • Elevated AST
  • Elevated ALT

Excludes

  • Alcoholic liver disease (K70.10)
  • Chronic viral hepatitis (B18.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • AST >40 U/L in adults
  • No documented cause after initial workup

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use when a definitive diagnosis exists
  • Failure to document etiology when known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure exclusion of known causes before using R74.01 as primary.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use if the patient presents with symptoms related to liver enzyme elevation.

Differential Codes

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

Alcoholic liver disease

K70.10
Use when AST:ALT ratio >2 and alcohol use is documented.

Chronic viral hepatitis C

B18.2
Use when hepatitis C is confirmed by PCR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R74.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all tests and exclusions., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG and reimbursement if used incorrectly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the specific diagnosis code as primary and R74.01 only if necessary to highlight enzyme elevation.

Impact

Using R74.01 as primary when a specific diagnosis exists.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code selection and documentation requirements.

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 Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase

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

Unexplained AST elevation

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • AST level and reference range
  • Duration of elevation
  • Exclusion of known causes

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated LFTs noted.
Good Documentation Example
AST persistently elevated at 150 U/L (ref: 8-48 U/L) despite 6-week alcohol cessation, etiology unclear pending biopsy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific AST levels, reference ranges, and context for the elevation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase? Ask your questions below.

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