ICD-10 Coding for Liver Failure(K72.00, K72.01)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Liver Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Liver Failure
K72Primary Range
Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified
This range includes codes for acute, subacute, and chronic liver failure, which are central to diagnosing and coding liver failure.
Diseases of liver
This range includes various liver diseases that may be underlying causes or related conditions to liver failure.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K72.00 | Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma | Use when acute hepatic failure is diagnosed without coma. |
|
| K72.01 | Acute and subacute hepatic failure with coma | Use when acute hepatic failure is diagnosed with coma. |
|
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 failure
Essential facts and insights about Liver Failure
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for liver failure
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Acute onset of liver failure symptoms
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'acute' or 'subacute' in medical records
Applicable To
- Acute liver failure
- Subacute liver failure
Excludes
- Chronic liver failure (K72.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- INR ≥1.5
- Encephalopathy onset within 26 weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic liver failure
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute or subacute nature and absence of coma.
K72.01 - Acute and subacute hepatic failure with coma
Use when acute hepatic failure is diagnosed with coma.
Applicable To
- Acute liver failure with coma
- Subacute liver failure with coma
Excludes
- Chronic liver failure with coma (K72.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- INR ≥1.5
- Presence of coma
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies coma status and acute or subacute nature.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential 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 Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K72.00.
Impact
Clinical: Affects treatment decisions and monitoring., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document coma status explicitly, Use checklists to ensure all elements are covered
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records and data analysis.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K76.82 for hepatic encephalopathy directly linked to liver dysfunction.
Impact
Failure to document coma status can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation protocols that require coma status to be recorded.
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 Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Liver Failure
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Liver Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Liver Failure Admission
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- Onset and duration of symptoms
- Coma status
- Underlying causes
- Laboratory results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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