ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites(K70.31)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes codes for liver diseases, including alcoholic cirrhosis with and without ascites.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites
Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of ascites confirmed by SAAG and imaging.
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of alcohol as the etiology of cirrhosis.
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver disease with ascites
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic liver disease with ascites
Clinical Validation Requirements
- SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
- Imaging showing nodular liver
- History of chronic alcohol use
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if ascites is not documented
- Omission of alcohol use documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation explicitly links cirrhosis to alcohol use.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K70.31.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of the underlying cause of cirrhosis., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment.
Mitigation Strategy
Include alcohol use in the history, Use specific terms linking alcohol to cirrhosis
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure ascites is documented in the medical record.
Impact
Incorrect documentation of ascites can lead to audit risks.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of ascites and alcohol use.
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 Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascites
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- History of alcohol use
- Physical exam findings
- Laboratory results
- Imaging studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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