ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites(K70.31)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis 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 Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes codes for liver diseases, specifically alcoholic liver diseases and cirrhosis.
Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use
This range includes codes for alcohol dependence, which is often associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of ascites with SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of alcohol use as cause
Applicable To
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Excludes
- Non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis with ascites
Clinical Validation Requirements
- SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL
- AST/ALT ratio >1.5
- Confirmed alcohol use history
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with non-alcoholic cirrhosis codes
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 Liver Cirrhosis 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: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document alcohol use in history., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies alcohol as the cause and use K70.31.
Impact
Lack of documentation linking cirrhosis to alcohol use.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates and checklists.
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 Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Admission for ascites management
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
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites? Ask your questions below.