ICD-10 Coding for Increased Liver Enzymes(R74.01, K71.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Increased Liver Enzymes. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Increased Liver Enzymes
R74-R75Primary Range
Abnormal serum enzyme levels
This range includes codes for abnormal liver function tests, specifically elevated liver enzymes.
Toxic liver disease
This range includes codes for liver damage due to toxins or drugs, which can cause elevated liver enzymes.
Other liver diseases
This range includes codes for conditions like fatty liver, which can be associated with elevated liver enzymes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R74.01 | Elevated liver transaminases | Use when liver enzymes are elevated without a confirmed cause. |
|
| K71.2 | Toxic liver disease with acute hepatitis | Use when liver enzyme elevation is linked to a specific drug or toxin. |
|
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 increased liver enzymes
Essential facts and insights about Increased Liver Enzymes
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for increased liver enzymes
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- ALT/AST levels elevated without clear etiology
coding Criteria
- No other specific liver condition identified
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ALT/AST levels ≥1.5x ULN
- Exclusion of acute hepatitis or toxicity
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse when a specific cause is identified
- Incorrect sequencing as a primary diagnosis
Coding Notes
- R74.01 should not be used as a primary diagnosis when a specific cause is identified.
K71.2 - Toxic liver disease with acute hepatitis
Use when liver enzyme elevation is linked to a specific drug or toxin.
Applicable To
- Drug-induced liver injury
Excludes
- Alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented causative agent
- Temporal relationship with drug/toxin exposure
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of the specific toxin or drug causing liver damage.
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 Increased Liver Enzymes to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R74.01.
Impact
Clinical: Lack of specificity can hinder diagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific enzyme names (ALT, AST) in documentation., Provide context for enzyme elevation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Sequence the specific cause as the primary diagnosis and R74.01 as secondary.
Impact
Using R74.01 as a primary code when a specific cause is known.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure proper sequencing with the specific cause as primary.
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 Increased Liver Enzymes, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Increased Liver Enzymes
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Increased Liver Enzymes. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with elevated liver enzymes
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- BMI and metabolic indicators
- Liver enzyme levels
- Exclusion of other liver diseases
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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