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

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

Also known as:

Primary Biliary CholangitisPBC

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

K74-K75Primary Range

Fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver

This range includes codes for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are relevant for coding primary biliary cirrhosis when cirrhosis is present.

Other diseases of biliary tract

This range includes codes for biliary tract diseases, such as cholangitis, which is relevant when cirrhosis is not present.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K74.3Primary biliary cirrhosisUse when documentation explicitly states 'primary biliary cirrhosis' and cirrhosis is confirmed.
  • Liver biopsy confirming cirrhosis
  • Imaging showing nodular liver surface
  • Lab evidence of cirrhosis (e.g., platelet <150k, albumin <3.5 g/dL)
K83.0Cholangitis, primaryUse when documentation states 'primary biliary cholangitis' without cirrhosis.
  • AMA positivity
  • Elevated alkaline phosphatase >1.5x ULN for >6 months

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 cirrhosis

Essential facts and insights about Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

The ICD-10 code for primary biliary cirrhosis is K74.3, used when cirrhosis is confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'primary biliary cirrhosis'.

Applicable To

  • Primary biliary cholangitis with cirrhosis

Excludes

  • Secondary biliary cirrhosis (K74.60)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Liver biopsy confirming cirrhosis
  • Imaging showing nodular liver surface
  • Lab evidence of cirrhosis (e.g., platelet <150k, albumin <3.5 g/dL)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when cirrhosis isn't documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure cirrhosis is documented before using K74.3.

Ancillary Codes

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

Malignant ascites

R18.0
Use if ascites is present with PBC-related portal hypertension.

Esophageal varices with bleeding

I85.01
Use for variceal complications.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary biliary cirrhosis

K74.60
Use when cirrhosis is due to obstruction from stones or strictures.

Autoimmune hepatitis

K75.4
Differentiate via anti-smooth muscle antibody positivity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Primary Biliary Cirrhosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K74.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'primary biliary cirrhosis'., Include lab and imaging findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm presence/absence of cirrhosis.

Impact

Risk of using incorrect codes due to vague documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices and regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

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

Hepatology Progress Note

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Stage
  • Complications
  • Labs
  • Imaging
  • Plan

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: Primary biliary cirrhosis (ICD-10: K74.3) Stage: 4/4 (cirrhosis confirmed via biopsy 03/2025) Complications: None currently Labs (03/26/2025): ALT 65 U/L AST 78 U/L Alk phos 520 U/L Platelets 98k AMA positive at 1:640 Imaging: Ultrasound shows nodular liver contour, spleen 15 cm Plan: Continue ursodeoxycholic acid 15mg/kg/day

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PBC stable.
Good Documentation Example
Primary biliary cholangitis without cirrhosis (AMA+, Alk phos 280 U/L). Transient elastography 8.2 kPa. No evidence of portal hypertension on imaging.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and imaging findings, clarifying the absence of cirrhosis.

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

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