Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Liver Disorder(K74.69, K70.30)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic DiseaseLiver Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Disorder

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of the liver

This range includes all liver-related conditions, including alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K74.69Other cirrhosis of liverUse when cirrhosis is confirmed and alcohol/viral causes are excluded.
  • Micro/nodular cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy
  • Exclusion of alcohol/viral causes
K70.30Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascitesUse when alcoholic cirrhosis is confirmed and no ascites is present.
  • Alcoholic cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy
  • Absence of ascites on imaging

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 Liver Disorder

The ICD-10 code for alcoholic cirrhosis without ascites is K70.30, requiring documentation of alcohol use and absence of ascites.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver disorder

Other cirrhosis of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy without alcohol or viral etiology

Applicable To

  • Cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic causes

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Micro/nodular cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy
  • Exclusion of alcohol/viral causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if alcohol use is not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exclusion of alcohol and viral causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal liver function tests

R94.5
Use to document abnormal liver function tests.

Alcohol use disorder

F10.10
Use to document alcohol use disorder.

Differential Codes

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

Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascites

K70.30
Presence of alcohol use history and absence of ascites.

Other cirrhosis of liver

K74.69
Non-alcoholic etiology confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K74.69.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'alcoholic cirrhosis', Document supporting lab and imaging results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the cause of cirrhosis.

Impact

Failure to document specific etiology of cirrhosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation of liver disorders.

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 Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Liver Disorder

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

Alcoholic Cirrhosis Documentation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of alcohol use
  • Biopsy results
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with alcoholic cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy. No ascites on ultrasound. History of 10+ years of alcohol use.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cirrhosis noted.
Good Documentation Example
Alcoholic cirrhosis confirmed by biopsy, no ascites on imaging.
Explanation
The good example provides specific etiology and confirms absence of ascites.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more