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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK72.00

K72.00

Billable

Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K72.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma is characterized by a rapid decline in liver function, leading to significant metabolic disturbances and potential multi-organ dysfunction. Clinically, patients may present with jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, coagulopathy, and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, although the latter is absent in this specific code. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of proteins. The progression of acute hepatic failure can vary, with some patients recovering fully while others may progress to chronic liver failure or require liver transplantation. Diagnostic considerations include laboratory tests to assess liver function (e.g., ALT, AST, bilirubin levels) and imaging studies to evaluate liver morphology. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Hepatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Acute and subacute hepatic failure has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems due to the need for hospitalization, potential liver transplantation, and long-term follow-up. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help in developing preventive strategies and improving quality measures in patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute and subacute hepatic failure has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems due to the need for hospitalization, potential liver transplantation, and long-term follow-up. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help in developing preventive strategies and improving quality measures in patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the complexity of care provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to meet medical necessity criteria. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis and justify the services rendered.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K72.00?

K72.00 covers acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma, which may arise from various etiologies such as viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, or ischemic liver disease. It is important to differentiate this from chronic liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy.

When should K72.00 be used instead of related codes?

K72.00 should be used when a patient presents with acute or subacute liver failure without signs of coma. If there are indications of hepatic encephalopathy, codes such as K72.01 should be considered instead.

What documentation supports K72.00?

Documentation should include clinical findings, laboratory results indicating liver dysfunction, and a clear assessment of the absence of coma. Detailed notes on the patient's history, presenting symptoms, and treatment plan are also essential.