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ICD-10 Coding for Liver Encephalopathy(K76.82, G92.8)

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

Also known as:

Hepatic EncephalopathyToxic Metabolic Encephalopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Liver Encephalopathy

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

This range includes codes for liver diseases, including hepatic encephalopathy.

Toxic encephalopathy

This range includes codes for toxic metabolic encephalopathy, which may be used in conjunction with hepatic encephalopathy codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K76.82Hepatic encephalopathyUse for cases of hepatic encephalopathy without coma, with documented liver disease.
  • Documentation of underlying liver disease
  • Symptoms such as asterixis, altered mental status
  • Elevated ammonia levels
G92.8Other toxic encephalopathyUse when hepatic encephalopathy is complicated by a toxic or metabolic component.
  • Documentation of toxic or metabolic cause
  • Symptoms such as altered mental status

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 hepatic encephalopathy

Essential facts and insights about Liver Encephalopathy

The ICD-10 code for hepatic encephalopathy is K76.82, used for cases without coma. Documentation must include underlying liver disease.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hepatic encephalopathy symptoms without coma.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of underlying liver disease and absence of coma.

Applicable To

  • Hepatic encephalopathy without coma

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of underlying liver disease
  • Symptoms such as asterixis, altered mental status
  • Elevated ammonia levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with coma codes when coma is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of coma.

Ancillary Codes

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

Toxic metabolic encephalopathy

G92.8
Use with K76.82 when there is a documented toxic or metabolic component.

Differential Codes

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

Other encephalopathy

G93.49
Use G93.49 for encephalopathy not related to liver disease.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Encephalopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.82.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly specifies the presence or absence of coma.

Impact

Risk of coding errors if coma status is not clearly documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks for coma status.

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

Documentation Templates for Liver Encephalopathy

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

Chronic hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Underlying liver disease
  • Symptoms of encephalopathy
  • Ammonia levels
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with Grade II hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis, ammonia 150 μg/dL, treated with lactulose.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with encephalopathy.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with Grade II hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis, ammonia 150 μg/dL, treated with lactulose.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the grade, underlying cause, and treatment.

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

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