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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Cysts(Q44.6, K76.89, B67.8)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic CystsPolycystic Liver DiseaseSimple Liver Cyst

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Cysts

Congenital malformations of liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas

Includes congenital liver cysts such as polycystic liver disease.

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

Includes acquired liver cysts and other specified liver diseases.

Helminthiases

Includes hydatid cysts caused by echinococcosis.

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 genetically confirmed congenital cystic liver disease.
  • Genetic testing confirming PRKCSH/SEC63 mutation
  • Family history of polycystic liver disease
K76.89Other specified diseases of liverUse for acquired simple cysts found incidentally.
  • Imaging showing simple cyst without septations
  • No family history of congenital liver disease
B67.8Echinococcosis, otherUse for hydatid cysts confirmed by serology and imaging.
  • Positive serology for Echinococcus
  • Imaging showing daughter cysts

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 Cysts

The ICD-10 code for an acquired simple liver cyst is K76.89, while congenital cystic liver disease is coded as Q44.6.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver cysts

Congenital cystic disease of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Genetic confirmation of congenital cystic disease.

Applicable To

  • Polycystic liver disease

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Genetic testing confirming PRKCSH/SEC63 mutation
  • Family history of polycystic liver disease

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for acquired cysts without genetic confirmation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports congenital nature.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use when cysts cause localized pain.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified diseases of liver

K76.89
Use for acquired cysts without congenital or genetic basis.

Congenital cystic disease of liver

Q44.6
Use for congenital cysts with genetic confirmation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete imaging reports are included in records.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm genetic basis before using Q44.6.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to lack of genetic confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require genetic testing documentation for congenital codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Cysts

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

Radiology report for liver cyst

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Cyst location and size
  • Morphology and ancillary findings
  • Impression and recommendations

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cyst in liver.
Good Documentation Example
12 cm cyst in segment VII with internal septations and mural nodule. Differential includes cystadenoma vs. cystic metastasis. Recommend contrast MRI and CA 19-9.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed imaging findings and recommendations.

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

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