ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK72.9

K72.9

Non-billable

Hepatic failure, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K72.9 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of hepatic failure, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hepatic failure, unspecified, refers to a condition where the liver fails to perform its normal functions, leading to a range of systemic complications. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of proteins. Hepatic failure can be acute or chronic, with the unspecified designation indicating that the specific cause or type of failure has not been determined. Common etiologies include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury. Disease progression can lead to multi-organ failure if not promptly addressed. Diagnostic considerations include liver function tests, imaging studies, and possibly liver biopsy to ascertain the underlying cause. Early recognition and management are critical to improving outcomes and preventing complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough evaluation to determine underlying causes.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve multiple specialties and interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: The unspecified nature of K72.9 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for claim denials if documentation does not align with coding.

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

Hepatic failure has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It is a critical condition that can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and potential liver transplants. Understanding the epidemiology of hepatic failure helps in developing population health strategies and quality measures aimed at improving liver health and reducing the burden of liver disease.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Hepatic failure has significant clinical implications, affecting patient morbidity and mortality rates. It is a critical condition that can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and potential liver transplants. Understanding the epidemiology of hepatic failure helps in developing population health strategies and quality measures aimed at improving liver health and reducing the burden of liver disease.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis aligns with the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include thorough clinical notes, timely submission of claims, and regular audits to ensure compliance with coding guidelines.

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 K72.9?

K72.9 encompasses unspecified hepatic failure, which may arise from various conditions such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or toxic liver injury. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause for appropriate management.

When should K72.9 be used instead of related codes?

K72.9 should be used when the specific type of hepatic failure is not documented or when the cause is unknown. If a more specific diagnosis is available, such as acute or chronic hepatic failure, those codes should be utilized.

What documentation supports K72.9?

Documentation should include clinical findings, laboratory results indicating liver dysfunction, and any imaging studies performed. Clear notes on the patient's history and presenting symptoms are essential to support the diagnosis.