ICD-10 Coding for Liver Dysfunction(K72.90, K76.82, R18.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Dysfunction. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Dysfunction
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K72.90 | Hepatic failure, unspecified without coma | Use when there is liver failure without coma. |
|
| K76.82 | Hepatic encephalopathy | Use when neuropsychiatric symptoms are present due to liver dysfunction. |
|
| R18.0 | Ascites | Use when ascites is confirmed by imaging or paracentesis. |
|
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 hepatic encephalopathy
Essential facts and insights about Liver Dysfunction
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver dysfunction
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Absence of coma with liver failure symptoms.
Applicable To
- Acute liver failure
- Chronic liver failure
Excludes
- Hepatic failure with coma (K72.91)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- INR >1.5
- Bilirubin >2 mg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure coma is not present before using this code.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of coma.
K76.82 - Hepatic encephalopathy
Use when neuropsychiatric symptoms are present due to liver dysfunction.
Applicable To
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms due to liver dysfunction
Excludes
- Septic encephalopathy (G93.41)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Confusion
- Asterixis
- Elevated ammonia (>50 µmol/L)
Coding Notes
Document specific symptoms and lab findings.
R18.0 - Ascites
Use when ascites is confirmed by imaging or paracentesis.
Applicable To
- Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity
Excludes
- Malignant ascites (R18.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Abdominal ultrasound showing >500 mL free fluid
- SAAG ≥1.1
Coding Notes
Document imaging or paracentesis findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Dysfunction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K72.90.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Require provider to specify the diagnosis causing abnormal LFTs.
Impact
Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of encephalopathy.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all symptoms and lab findings are documented.
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 Dysfunction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Dysfunction
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Dysfunction. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Liver Failure with Encephalopathy
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- Patient history including alcohol use
- Physical exam findings
- Lab results (e.g., ammonia, INR)
- Imaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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