ICD-10 Coding for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis(K75.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes codes for liver diseases, including NASH and related conditions.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for NASH
Essential facts and insights about Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for nash
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Biopsy-confirmed steatohepatitis
coding Criteria
- Use K75.81 for confirmed NASH with inflammation
documentation Criteria
- Document exclusion of alcohol use and other liver diseases
Applicable To
- NASH
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with inflammation
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Liver biopsy showing lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and ≥5% steatosis
- Elevated ALT and AST levels
- Exclusion of significant alcohol intake
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with NAFLD if inflammation is not documented
- Failure to exclude other liver diseases
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation excludes other causes of liver disease and confirms non-alcoholic etiology.
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 Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K75.81.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate assessment of liver disease severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denial or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Include fibrosis stage in all NASH documentation, Use standardized templates for liver disease documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition in medical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure biopsy or clinical indicators confirm NASH before coding K75.81.
Impact
Coding NASH without biopsy or clinical confirmation increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all NASH diagnoses are supported by biopsy or clinical indicators.
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 Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Hepatology Progress Note
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- Assessment of NASH
- Biopsy findings
- Exclusion of other liver diseases
- Plan for management
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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