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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Cyst(Q44.6, K76.89)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic CystSimple Liver CystComplex Liver Cystcongenital liver cyst

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Cyst

Q44.6-Q44.7Primary Range

Congenital malformations of liver

Includes congenital liver cysts and fibrocystic disease.

Other specified diseases of liver

Used for acquired liver cysts not present at birth.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q44.6Congenital cystic disease of liverUse for congenital liver cysts identified at birth or in early childhood.
  • Documented congenital origin
  • Family history of polycystic disease
  • Presence in newborn/neonate
K76.89Other specified diseases of liverUse for acquired liver cysts in adults or when congenital origin is ruled out.
  • Adult onset
  • Secondary to trauma or infection
  • No congenital history

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 liver cyst

Essential facts and insights about Liver Cyst

The ICD-10 code for a congenital liver cyst is Q44.6, while K76.89 is used for acquired liver cysts.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver cyst

Congenital cystic disease of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of cysts at birth or early childhood with family history.

Applicable To

  • Congenital liver cysts

Excludes

  • Acquired liver cysts

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented congenital origin
  • Family history of polycystic disease
  • Presence in newborn/neonate

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as acquired if congenital origin is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies congenital nature to avoid misclassification.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified diseases of liver

K76.89
Use K76.89 for acquired cysts with no congenital history.

Congenital cystic disease of liver

Q44.6
Use Q44.6 for congenital cysts identified at birth.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Cyst to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q44.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the liver affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment if congenital condition is not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure congenital origin is documented and use Q44.6.

Impact

Misclassification can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of cyst origin.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Cyst

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

Imaging report for liver cyst

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Cyst size and location
  • Cyst characteristics (simple vs. complex)
  • Imaging modality used

Example Documentation

IMPRESSION: 4.7 cm simple hepatic cyst in segment IVa: Anechoic, smooth walls, no internal vascularity.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver cyst noted.
Good Documentation Example
3.2 cm simple hepatic cyst in segment VII, no septations or mural nodules (USG 03/24/25).
Explanation
The good example provides specific size, location, and imaging details.

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

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