ICD-10 Coding for Liver Fibrosis(K74.00, K74.01, K74.02)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Fibrosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Fibrosis
K74.0-K74.6Primary Range
Fibrosis and Cirrhosis of Liver
This range includes codes for different stages and types of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Diseases of the Liver
This broader range includes liver diseases that may be related to or cause fibrosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K74.00 | Hepatic fibrosis, unspecified | Use when documentation does not specify the stage of fibrosis. |
|
| K74.01 | Early hepatic fibrosis | Use when documentation specifies early stage fibrosis. |
|
| K74.02 | Advanced hepatic fibrosis | Use when documentation specifies advanced fibrosis. |
|
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 liver fibrosis
Essential facts and insights about Liver Fibrosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver fibrosis
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Lack of specific staging in documentation.
Applicable To
- Unspecified hepatic fibrosis
Excludes
- Cirrhosis of liver (K74.6-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Liver biopsy indicating fibrosis without specific staging
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if stage is documented but not coded.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the use of an unspecified code.
K74.01 - Early hepatic fibrosis
Use when documentation specifies early stage fibrosis.
Applicable To
- Early stage liver fibrosis
Excludes
- Advanced hepatic fibrosis (K74.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing METAVIR F0-F2
- FIB-4 <1.45
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'early' or equivalent staging.
K74.02 - Advanced hepatic fibrosis
Use when documentation specifies advanced fibrosis.
Applicable To
- Bridging fibrosis
- Pre-cirrhotic fibrosis
Excludes
- Cirrhosis of liver (K74.6-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing METAVIR F3-F4
- FIB-4 >3.25
Coding Notes
Documentation must clearly indicate advanced fibrosis.
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 Fibrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K74.00.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate representation of disease severity., Regulatory: Potential audit issues due to lack of specificity., Financial: Reduced reimbursement for unspecified codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all diagnostic tests are documented., Use standardized templates for liver conditions.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the stage and use the appropriate code.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific staging is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.
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 Fibrosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Fibrosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Fibrosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Hepatitis B with Advanced Fibrosis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B
- Biopsy results indicating advanced fibrosis
- FIB-4 score
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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