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 CodesQ44.79

Q44.79

Billable

Other congenital malformations of liver

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q44.79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other congenital malformations of liver.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital malformations of the liver encompass a variety of structural abnormalities that can significantly impact liver function and overall health. These malformations may include conditions such as biliary atresia, hepatic cysts, and vascular malformations. In pediatric patients, these conditions often present with symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal distension, and failure to thrive. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, and may require liver biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Management strategies vary depending on the specific malformation and may include surgical interventions, medical management, and close monitoring. Understanding the interplay between congenital liver malformations and other digestive system anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, Hirschsprung disease, and gastroschisis, is crucial, as these conditions can co-occur and complicate clinical management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of liver malformations
  • Need for detailed imaging and diagnostic criteria
  • Potential for co-occurring congenital conditions
  • Variations in treatment protocols based on specific malformations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of liver malformation
  • Failure to document co-existing congenital conditions
  • Misclassification of liver malformations as acquired conditions
  • Lack of clarity in surgical intervention documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include growth parameters, developmental milestones, and specific symptoms related to liver function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a newborn presenting with jaundice and abdominal distension, requiring evaluation for biliary atresia.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires understanding the implications of liver malformations on overall health and potential for multi-organ involvement.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, genetic testing results, and any syndromic associations with liver malformations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital liver disease.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chromosomal abnormalities that may predispose to liver malformations is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q44.79 When
  • Official coding guidelines for congenital conditions emphasize the importance of specificity in documentation, including the type of malformation and any associated conditions
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q44.79 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

44180CPT Code

Liver biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used for definitive diagnosis of liver malformations.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include indication for biopsy and results.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric considerations include sedation protocols and monitoring.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital liver malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding congenital liver malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common congenital liver malformations?

Common congenital liver malformations include biliary atresia, hepatic cysts, and vascular malformations. Each condition has distinct clinical presentations and management strategies.