ICD-10 Coding for Acute Liver Failure(K72.0, K71.1, K76.82)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Liver Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Liver Failure
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K72.0 | Acute and subacute hepatic failure | Use when acute liver failure is due to non-toxic causes such as viral or autoimmune hepatitis. |
|
| K71.1 | Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis | Use when liver failure is due to drug or toxin exposure. |
|
| K76.82 | Hepatic encephalopathy | Use when encephalopathy is present with liver failure. |
|
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 acute liver failure
Essential facts and insights about Acute Liver Failure
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute liver failure
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and lab findings
Applicable To
- Acute liver failure not due to drugs or toxins
Excludes
- Chronic liver failure (K72.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- INR >1.5
- ALT/AST >5x ULN
- Presence of encephalopathy
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if etiology is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and excludes chronic conditions.
K71.1 - Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis
Use when liver failure is due to drug or toxin exposure.
Applicable To
- Drug-induced liver failure
Excludes
- Alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive toxicology screen
- Temporal link to drug exposure
Coding Notes
Document specific drug and confirm with toxicology.
K76.82 - Hepatic encephalopathy
Use when encephalopathy is present with liver failure.
Applicable To
- Neurological symptoms due to liver failure
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ammonia >100 µmol/L
- Neurological exam findings
Coding Notes
Specify encephalopathy grade and link to liver failure.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Hepatic encephalopathy
K76.82Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Liver Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K72.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'acute' and 'etiology'., Include lab results and clinical findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify acute onset and absence of chronic liver disease.
Impact
Failure to document specific etiology of liver failure.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of cause and lab results.
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 Acute Liver Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Liver Failure
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Liver Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department H&P
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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