ICD-10 Coding for Liver Enzymes(K71.0, R74.01)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Enzymes. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Enzymes
Abnormal liver function studies
Used when liver function tests are abnormal but no specific etiology is identified.
K71Primary Range
Toxic liver disease
Primary range for liver damage due to toxic agents, requiring specific documentation of the toxic agent.
Elevation of liver transaminase levels
Used for isolated elevation of liver transaminases without a specific cause.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K71.0 | Toxic liver disease with cholestasis | Use when liver damage is due to a known toxic agent causing cholestasis. |
|
| R74.01 | Elevation of liver transaminase levels | Use when ALT/AST are elevated without a specific cause. |
|
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 elevated liver enzymes
Essential facts and insights about Liver Enzymes
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver enzymes
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of cholestasis with a documented toxic agent.
Applicable To
- Cholestasis due to toxic liver disease
Excludes
- Cholestasis due to other causes
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ALT/AST >5x ULN
- Elevated ALP/GGT
- Documented toxin/drug exposure
Code-Specific Risks
- Failure to document the specific toxic agent.
Coding Notes
- Ensure the toxic agent is clearly documented in the patient's record.
R74.01 - Elevation of liver transaminase levels
Use when ALT/AST are elevated without a specific cause.
Applicable To
- Isolated elevation of ALT/AST
Excludes
- Elevation due to known liver disease
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Isolated ALT/AST elevation
Coding Notes
Ensure no specific cause is identified before using this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Abnormal liver function studies
R94.5Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Liver Enzymes to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K71.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misinterpretation of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify which liver enzymes are elevated., Use specific codes when possible.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement if specific cause is not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the specificity and accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Identify and document the specific cause of liver enzyme elevation.
Impact
Using non-specific codes when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of the cause of liver enzyme elevation.
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 Enzymes, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Enzymes
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Enzymes. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Drug-induced liver injury
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Lab results
- Imaging findings
- Specific toxic agent
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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