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ICD-10 Coding for Steatohepatitis(K75.81, K76.0)

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

Also known as:

Nonalcoholic SteatohepatitisNASHFatty Liver with Inflammation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Steatohepatitis

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

This range includes codes for liver diseases, including steatohepatitis and related conditions.

Obesity

Obesity is a common comorbidity with steatohepatitis and affects coding and reimbursement.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with steatohepatitis and impacts coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K75.81Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)Use when there is documented inflammation and liver injury consistent with NASH.
  • Biopsy showing steatosis, lobular inflammation, and ballooning degeneration
  • FibroScan CAP score ≥275 dB/m
K76.0Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classifiedUse when there is fatty liver without evidence of inflammation.
  • Imaging showing macrovesicular steatosis without inflammation

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 steatohepatitis

Essential facts and insights about Steatohepatitis

The ICD-10 code for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is K75.81.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration on biopsy

coding Criteria

  • Documented fibrosis stage

Applicable To

  • NASH with inflammation
  • NASH with fibrosis

Excludes

  • Alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)
  • Chronic viral hepatitis (B18.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy showing steatosis, lobular inflammation, and ballooning degeneration
  • FibroScan CAP score ≥275 dB/m

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with NAFLD without inflammation
  • Inadequate documentation of fibrosis stage

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies inflammation and any fibrosis stage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Obesity, unspecified

E66.9
Use when BMI ≥30 is documented.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use when diabetes is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified

K76.0
Use K76.0 for NAFLD without inflammation.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

K75.81
Use K75.81 when inflammation is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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: Leads to misdiagnosis and treatment errors., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'steatohepatitis with ballooning degeneration'., Ensure biopsy results are detailed.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in audit issues due to inaccurate coding., Data Quality: Affects clinical data accuracy and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies presence or absence of inflammation.

Impact

Lack of specific fibrosis staging can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all biopsy reports include fibrosis stage.

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

Documentation Templates for Steatohepatitis

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

NASH with fibrosis and obesity

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Biopsy results
  • Fibrosis stage
  • BMI documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with NASH, confirmed by biopsy showing grade 2 steatohepatitis and stage 2 fibrosis. BMI is 35.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fatty liver disease noted.
Good Documentation Example
Biopsy confirms NASH with grade 2 inflammation and stage 2 fibrosis. BMI is 35.
Explanation
The good example provides specific biopsy findings and BMI, supporting accurate coding.

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

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