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ICD-10 Coding for Fatty Liver Disease(K76.0, K75.8, K74.6)

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

Also known as:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseNAFLDNon-Alcoholic SteatohepatitisNASH

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fatty Liver Disease

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

This range includes codes for liver diseases, including fatty liver disease and its complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K76.0Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classifiedUse when NAFLD is confirmed by imaging and alcohol use is minimal.
  • Ultrasound or MRI showing hepatic steatosis
  • Exclusion of significant alcohol use
K75.8Other specified inflammatory liver diseasesUse when NASH is confirmed by biopsy.
  • Biopsy showing steatohepatitis
  • Elevated liver enzymes
K74.6Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liverUse when cirrhosis is confirmed and related to NAFLD/NASH.
  • Imaging or biopsy showing cirrhosis
  • Laboratory evidence of liver dysfunction

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 fatty liver disease

Essential facts and insights about Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is coded as K76.0 for non-alcoholic and K70.0 for alcoholic, based on alcohol use documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fatty liver disease

Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms hepatic steatosis with minimal alcohol use.

Applicable To

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Excludes

  • Alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound or MRI showing hepatic steatosis
  • Exclusion of significant alcohol use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if alcohol use is not properly documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-alcoholic etiology.

Ancillary Codes

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

Obesity

E66.xx
Use to document obesity as a comorbidity with NAFLD.

Differential Codes

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

Alcoholic fatty liver

K70.0
Use K70.0 if there is significant alcohol use contributing to liver disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fatty Liver Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of liver disease type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document alcohol use status., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies alcohol use is minimal or absent.

Impact

Failure to document alcohol use can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory alcohol use documentation in patient assessments.

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 Fatty Liver Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fatty Liver Disease

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

Documenting NAFLD in a patient with obesity

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Imaging results
  • Alcohol use history
  • BMI and obesity status

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has fatty liver.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with NAFLD confirmed by ultrasound, BMI 35, no significant alcohol use.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging confirmation and excludes alcohol use, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fatty Liver Disease? Ask your questions below.

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