ICD-10 Coding for Steatosis(K76.0, K75.8, K70.10)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Steatosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Steatosis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K76.0 | Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified | Use for simple steatosis without specified etiology. |
|
| K75.8 | Other specified inflammatory liver diseases | Use when biopsy confirms NASH. |
|
| K70.10 | Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites | Use when alcohol is the confirmed etiology of hepatitis. |
|
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 steatosis
Essential facts and insights about Steatosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for steatosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of hepatic steatosis on imaging without alcohol use.
documentation Criteria
- Absence of terms like 'alcoholic' or 'NASH' in documentation.
Applicable To
- Hepatic steatosis
- Fatty liver
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ultrasound showing hyperechoic parenchyma
- CT scan with liver attenuation ≤40 HU
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if etiology is not specified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies absence of alcohol use if coding K76.0.
K75.8 - Other specified inflammatory liver diseases
Use when biopsy confirms NASH.
Applicable To
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Excludes
- Fatty liver, not elsewhere classified (K76.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing steatohepatitis with inflammation
- HA ≥55 µg/L, AST ≥45 IU/L
Coding Notes
Ensure biopsy results are documented to support NASH diagnosis.
K70.10 - Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites
Use when alcohol is the confirmed etiology of hepatitis.
Applicable To
- Alcohol-induced liver disease
Excludes
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (K75.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of alcohol use
- AST:ALT ratio ≥0.8
Coding Notes
Ensure alcohol use is clearly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
E88.81Differential 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 Steatosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms and document etiology clearly.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on liver disease etiology.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K71.- for drug-induced liver disease.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Failure to meet specificity requirements., Data Quality: Loss of specificity in clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like K70.10 if alcohol-related.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without supporting documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code used.
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 Steatosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Steatosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Steatosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Gastroenterology Progress Note
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Biopsy results
- Liver function tests
- Imaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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