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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK72.11

K72.11

Billable

Chronic hepatic failure with coma

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K72.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic hepatic failure with coma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic hepatic failure with coma (K72.11) is a severe condition characterized by the progressive deterioration of liver function over time, leading to hepatic encephalopathy and coma. The liver, a vital organ involved in metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of proteins, becomes increasingly unable to perform its functions due to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Patients may present with symptoms including jaundice, ascites, and confusion, which can escalate to coma as the condition progresses. The pathophysiology involves the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, due to impaired hepatic clearance, resulting in neurological impairment. Diagnostic considerations include clinical evaluation, liver function tests, imaging studies, and possibly liver biopsy to assess the underlying cause of liver failure. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent further deterioration and complications, including multi-organ failure. Treatment typically involves supportive care, addressing the underlying cause, and may include liver transplantation in severe cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive evaluation of liver function and underlying causes.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary management and potential for advanced interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other liver conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the severity of liver failure.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the patient's mental status and liver function.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for the severity of the condition.

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

Chronic hepatic failure with coma has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems due to the need for intensive care and potential liver transplantation. The condition is associated with high healthcare utilization patterns, including frequent hospital admissions and extended lengths of stay. Understanding the epidemiology of chronic liver disease and its complications is crucial for developing effective quality measures and improving population health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic hepatic failure with coma has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems due to the need for intensive care and potential liver transplantation. The condition is associated with high healthcare utilization patterns, including frequent hospital admissions and extended lengths of stay. Understanding the epidemiology of chronic liver disease and its complications is crucial for developing effective quality measures and improving population health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to ensure that all coding is accurate and reflects the complexity of the patient's condition. Regular audits of documentation practices can help mitigate billing challenges.

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 K72.11?

K72.11 covers chronic hepatic failure characterized by the presence of coma, often resulting from conditions such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or other chronic liver diseases leading to significant liver dysfunction and hepatic encephalopathy.

When should K72.11 be used instead of related codes?

K72.11 should be used when a patient presents with chronic hepatic failure accompanied by coma. If the patient has chronic hepatic failure without coma, K72.10 should be selected. The presence of coma indicates a more severe condition requiring different management and documentation.

What documentation supports K72.11?

Documentation for K72.11 should include clinical evidence of chronic liver disease, assessment of liver function tests, mental status evaluations indicating coma, and any imaging or laboratory results that support the diagnosis of chronic hepatic failure.