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ICD-10 Coding for History of Cirrhosis(K74.60, K70.30)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Cirrhosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Liver Cirrhosis HistoryPast Cirrhosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Cirrhosis

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

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

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 not further specified.
  • Clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis without specification
  • Imaging showing liver scarring
K70.30Alcoholic cirrhosis of liverUse when cirrhosis is directly linked to alcohol use.
  • History of alcohol use
  • Clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis

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 history of cirrhosis

Essential facts and insights about History of Cirrhosis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified cirrhosis is K74.60. For alcoholic cirrhosis, use K70.30.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of cirrhosis

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Diagnosis of cirrhosis without specific etiology

Applicable To

  • Cirrhosis NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis without specification
  • Imaging showing liver scarring

Code-Specific Risks

  • Audit risk due to lack of specificity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of cirrhosis if known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Esophageal varices with bleeding

I85.11
Use when varices are present and bleeding, secondary to cirrhosis.

Ascites

R18.0
Use when ascites is present due to cirrhosis.

Differential Codes

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

Hepatic fibrosis

K74.00
Fibrosis without nodular regeneration.

Unspecified cirrhosis

K74.60
Use K70.30 when alcohol is the confirmed cause.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Cirrhosis 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, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause of cirrhosis if known

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Reduces data specificity and quality

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific cause of cirrhosis when possible.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific etiology is known

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific cause of cirrhosis

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 History of Cirrhosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Cirrhosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Cirrhosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hepatology Progress Note

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Type of cirrhosis
  • Etiology
  • Complications
  • Surveillance status

Example Documentation

**Assessment:** 1. Alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.30) with ascites (R18.0) **Plan:** - Continue diuretics - Schedule EGD for variceal surveillance

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver disease with scarring
Good Documentation Example
Decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.30) with ascites (R18.0)
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and cause of cirrhosis, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Cirrhosis? Ask your questions below.

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