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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK76.0

K76.0

Billable

Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K76.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K76.0 refers to fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and liver damage. Clinically, patients may present with fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and hepatomegaly, although many remain asymptomatic. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and bile production. Fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, liver function tests, and sometimes liver biopsy to assess the degree of steatosis and inflammation. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and excessive alcohol consumption, necessitating a thorough patient history and examination to rule out other liver diseases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and possibly biopsy for confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed patient history and clinical findings are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Must differentiate from other liver conditions like alcoholic liver disease.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other liver conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Fatty liver disease has significant clinical implications, affecting a large portion of the population, particularly in the context of rising obesity rates. It is associated with increased healthcare utilization due to complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Quality measures often focus on early detection and management of liver disease, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of K76.0 can aid in public health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of liver disease.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Fatty liver disease has significant clinical implications, affecting a large portion of the population, particularly in the context of rising obesity rates. It is associated with increased healthcare utilization due to complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Quality measures often focus on early detection and management of liver disease, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of K76.0 can aid in public health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of liver disease.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, so understanding the specific requirements for documentation is essential. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining clear and concise records of patient interactions, treatment plans, and follow-up care to support the coding and billing process effectively.

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 K76.0?

K76.0 covers non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other unspecified fatty liver changes not attributed to alcohol consumption or other specific liver diseases.

When should K76.0 be used instead of related codes?

K76.0 should be used when the fatty liver is not due to alcohol or other specified causes, ensuring that the clinical documentation supports the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver.

What documentation supports K76.0?

Documentation should include a thorough patient history, physical examination findings, results from imaging studies, and any laboratory tests that indicate liver function and fat accumulation.