ICD-10 Coding for Liver Lesion(K76.89, C22.0, D18.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Lesion. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Lesion
K76.0-K76.9Primary Range
Other diseases of liver
Includes unspecified liver lesions and other liver diseases not classified elsewhere.
Malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts
Used for coding confirmed malignant liver lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K76.89 | Other specified diseases of liver | Use when a liver lesion is identified but not further specified by imaging or biopsy. |
|
| C22.0 | Liver cell carcinoma | Use when hepatocellular carcinoma is confirmed by imaging and lab findings. |
|
| D18.0 | Hemangioma of any site | Use when imaging confirms a hemangioma. |
|
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 lesion
Essential facts and insights about Liver Lesion
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver lesion
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Lesion identified on imaging without specific features of malignancy or benignity.
Applicable To
- Unspecified liver lesion
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging reports indicating unspecified liver lesion
- Absence of specific diagnostic criteria for other liver conditions
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if lesion is later specified as malignant or benign.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'lesion' to avoid confusion with 'mass' or 'tumor'.
C22.0 - Liver cell carcinoma
Use when hepatocellular carcinoma is confirmed by imaging and lab findings.
Applicable To
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
Excludes
- Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver (C78.7)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging with arterial phase hyperenhancement and washout
- AFP >200 ng/mL
Coding Notes
Ensure all diagnostic criteria for HCC are documented.
D18.0 - Hemangioma of any site
Use when imaging confirms a hemangioma.
Applicable To
- Cavernous hemangioma
Excludes
- Lymphangioma (D18.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing peripheral nodular enhancement
- Absence of thrombocytopenia
Coding Notes
Ensure imaging reports are clear and specific.
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 Lesion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.89.
Impact
Clinical: Delays in appropriate cancer treatment., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement rates.
Mitigation Strategy
Review imaging and biopsy results before final coding., Use specific codes once diagnosis is confirmed.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'lesion' unless further specified by imaging.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denial of claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the reliability of cancer registry data.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify all imaging and lab criteria are met before coding as HCC.
Impact
High risk of audit if lesions are coded without meeting specific criteria.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation meets LI-RADS and clinical criteria before coding.
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 Lesion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Lesion
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Lesion. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Documenting an unspecified liver lesion
Specialty: RadiologyRequired Elements
- Size of lesion
- Location (segment)
- Enhancement pattern
- Any ancillary features
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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