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ICD-10 Coding for Cirrhotic Liver(K74.60, K70.30)

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

Also known as:

Liver CirrhosisHepatic Cirrhosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cirrhotic Liver

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of the liver

This range includes all liver diseases, with specific codes for cirrhosis and its etiologies.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K74.60Unspecified cirrhosis of liverUse when cirrhosis is diagnosed but etiology is not specified.
  • Liver biopsy showing cirrhosis
  • Imaging studies indicating nodular liver
K70.30Alcoholic cirrhosis of liverUse when cirrhosis is directly linked to alcohol consumption.
  • History of significant alcohol use
  • AST:ALT ratio >2:1

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 alcoholic cirrhosis

Essential facts and insights about Cirrhotic Liver

The ICD-10 code for alcoholic cirrhosis is K70.30, used when cirrhosis is linked to alcohol consumption.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cirrhotic liver

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Cirrhosis diagnosis without specified cause.

Applicable To

  • Cirrhosis NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Liver biopsy showing cirrhosis
  • Imaging studies indicating nodular liver

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if etiology is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if cirrhosis is due to alcohol or other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other ascites

R18.8
Use to indicate ascites as a complication of cirrhosis.

Differential Codes

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

Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver

K70.30
Use when cirrhosis is due to alcohol use.

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver

K74.60
Use when etiology is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cirrhotic Liver to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K74.60.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough patient history is taken., Regularly update documentation with patient lifestyle factors.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potentially lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific etiology to use a more precise code.

Impact

Failure to document the cause of cirrhosis can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on documentation standards.

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

Documentation Templates for Cirrhotic Liver

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

Alcoholic Cirrhosis with Complications

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of alcohol use
  • Liver function tests
  • Imaging results
  • Complications present

Example Documentation

Patient with 10-year history of heavy alcohol use presents with ascites and jaundice. Ultrasound shows nodular liver.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has cirrhosis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, confirmed by biopsy, presents with ascites and elevated liver enzymes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific etiology and complications, improving coding accuracy.

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

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