ICD-10 Coding for Fatty Liver(K76.0, K70.0, O26.619)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Fatty Liver. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Fatty Liver
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K76.0 | Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified | Use for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease when alcohol is not a contributing factor. |
|
| K70.0 | Alcoholic fatty liver | Use when fatty liver is due to alcohol consumption. |
|
| O26.619 | Liver disorders in pregnancy, unspecified trimester | Use for liver disorders specifically related to pregnancy. |
|
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 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Essential facts and insights about Fatty Liver
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fatty liver
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Hepatic steatosis confirmed by imaging or biopsy
documentation Criteria
- Explicit documentation of non-alcoholic etiology
Applicable To
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ultrasound showing hepatic steatosis >30%
- ALT <200 U/L
- Negative alcohol history
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if alcohol use is not properly documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure alcohol use is documented to avoid incorrect coding.
K70.0 - Alcoholic fatty liver
Use when fatty liver is due to alcohol consumption.
Applicable To
- Alcoholic steatosis
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (K76.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented alcohol consumption ≥30g/day (men) or ≥20g/day (women)
Coding Notes
Alcohol consumption must be documented to justify this code.
O26.619 - Liver disorders in pregnancy, unspecified trimester
Use for liver disorders specifically related to pregnancy.
Applicable To
- Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)
Excludes
- Pre-existing liver disease (K70-K77)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Pregnancy confirmed with liver dysfunction
Coding Notes
Confirm pregnancy-related liver disorder before using this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic hepatic complications
E11.72Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fatty Liver to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis classification., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document alcohol use or abstinence., Use specific phrases like 'abstains from alcohol'.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Confirm and document the primary etiology before coding.
Impact
Failure to document alcohol use can lead to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory alcohol history documentation for all liver disease cases.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Fatty Liver
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Fatty Liver. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a diabetic patient
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- BMI
- ALT levels
- Ultrasound findings
- Diabetes status
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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