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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Laceration(S36.114, S36.115, S36.116, S36.113A)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic LacerationLiver Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Laceration

S36.1Primary Range

Injury of liver

This range includes codes specific to liver injuries, including lacerations of varying severity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S36.114Minor laceration of liverUse when imaging confirms a minor laceration with depth less than 1 cm.
  • CT scan showing capsular tear or parenchymal depth <1 cm
S36.115Moderate laceration of liverUse when imaging confirms a moderate laceration with specified depth and length.
  • CT scan showing parenchymal depth 1–3 cm and length <10 cm
S36.116Major laceration of liverUse when imaging confirms a major laceration with specified disruption.
  • CT scan showing parenchymal disruption >10 cm long or >3 cm deep
S36.113AUnspecified laceration of liverUse only when depth and length are not documented.
  • Lack of specific depth or length documentation

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 minor liver laceration

Essential facts and insights about Liver Laceration

The ICD-10 code for a minor liver laceration is S36.114, used when the laceration involves a capsular tear or parenchymal depth less than 1 cm.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver laceration

Minor laceration of liver
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CT scan shows capsular tear or parenchymal depth <1 cm

Applicable To

  • Capsular tear
  • Parenchymal depth <1 cm

Excludes

  • Major laceration of liver
  • Moderate laceration of liver

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan showing capsular tear or parenchymal depth <1 cm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if depth is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure depth is documented to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Open wound of abdomen, initial encounter

S31.8XXA
Use if there is an associated open wound.

Differential Codes

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

Moderate laceration of liver

S36.115
Parenchymal depth 1–3 cm and length <10 cm

Major laceration of liver

S36.116
Parenchymal disruption >10 cm long or >3 cm deep

Minor laceration of liver

S36.114
Capsular tear or parenchymal depth <1 cm

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Laceration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S36.114.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of injury severity., Regulatory: Increased risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports include measurements, Train staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Potential for non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting clinical and administrative decisions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure precise documentation of depth and length from imaging studies.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increased risk of audit findings., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code based on specific imaging findings.

Impact

Increased scrutiny on the use of unspecified codes when specific data is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all imaging and operative reports include specific measurements.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Laceration

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

Trauma Surgery

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Depth and length of laceration
  • Associated injuries

Example Documentation

Exploratory laparotomy revealed a stellate laceration in the right lobe measuring 11 cm x 4 cm with active bleeding. AAST Grade IV injury confirmed. Performed hepatotomy with argon beam coagulation and perihepatic packing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver laceration noted on CT.
Good Documentation Example
CT reveals 2.5 cm deep parenchymal laceration measuring 8 cm in length (AAST Grade II).
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and grading, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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