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ICD-10 Coding for Primary Biliary Cholangitis(K83.0, K74.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Primary Biliary CirrhosisAutoimmune Cholangitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Biliary Cholangitis

K74-K83Primary Range

Diseases of liver and biliary tract

Includes codes for liver diseases, specifically cholangitis and cirrhosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K83.0CholangitisUse when PBC is documented without cirrhosis.
  • AMA positivity
  • Elevated ALP
  • Liver biopsy showing florid duct lesions
K74.3Primary biliary cirrhosis with cirrhosisUse when cirrhosis is documented with PBC.
  • Documentation of cirrhosis
  • Liver biopsy showing cirrhosis

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 primary biliary cholangitis

Essential facts and insights about Primary Biliary Cholangitis

The ICD-10 code for primary biliary cholangitis without cirrhosis is K83.0, and with cirrhosis is K74.3.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for primary biliary cholangitis

Cholangitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of cirrhosis in clinical notes.

Applicable To

  • Primary biliary cholangitis without cirrhosis

Excludes

  • Primary biliary cirrhosis with cirrhosis (K74.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • AMA positivity
  • Elevated ALP
  • Liver biopsy showing florid duct lesions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if cirrhosis is present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of cirrhosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal liver function test

R94.5
Use to document abnormal liver function tests associated with PBC.

Ascites

R18.0
Use to document ascites as a complication of cirrhosis.

Differential Codes

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

Primary biliary cirrhosis with cirrhosis

K74.3
Use when cirrhosis is documented alongside PBC.

Cholangitis

K83.0
Use when PBC is documented without cirrhosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Primary Biliary Cholangitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K83.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of disease severity., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure cirrhosis status is clearly documented., Use structured templates for liver disease documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect higher reimbursement risk., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation for cirrhosis before coding.

Impact

Risk of coding errors if cirrhosis is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory documentation checks for cirrhosis.

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 Primary Biliary Cholangitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

PBC without cirrhosis

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • AMA titer
  • ALP levels
  • Liver biopsy results

Example Documentation

Patient diagnosed with PBC, AMA positive, ALP elevated, no cirrhosis on biopsy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PBC diagnosed, continue treatment.
Good Documentation Example
PBC diagnosed, AMA positive, ALP 3x ULN, liver biopsy shows no cirrhosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and biopsy findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Primary Biliary Cholangitis? Ask your questions below.

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