ICD-10 Coding for Liver Disease(K70.0, K74.60)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Disease
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of the liver
This range includes various liver conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, toxic liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K70.0 | Alcoholic hepatitis | Use when documentation specifies alcoholic hepatitis confirmed by clinical findings. |
|
| K74.60 | Unspecified cirrhosis of liver | Use when cirrhosis is documented without specific etiology. |
|
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 hepatitis
Essential facts and insights about Liver Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- AST:ALT ratio >2:1 and history of alcohol use
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver disease with hepatitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- AST:ALT ratio >2:1
- Liver biopsy showing steatosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if etiology is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'alcoholic' to avoid unspecified coding.
K74.60 - Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Use when cirrhosis is documented without specific etiology.
Applicable To
- Cirrhosis of liver NOS
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver (K70.30)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing nodular liver
- Portal hypertension
Coding Notes
Document specific causes to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies etiology and clinical findings., Use specific codes whenever possible.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of confirmed diagnosis., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use symptom codes until a final diagnosis is confirmed.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without supporting documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation specifies the etiology and clinical findings.
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 Liver Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis with Complications
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient history of alcohol use
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Imaging studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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