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
DiagnosesAlcoholic Steatohepatitis

Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Steatohepatitis(K70.10, K70.11)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYHepatology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Alcoholic Steatohepatitis?
Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Patients typically present with symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort.
  • Laboratory findings may include elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT), increased bilirubin levels, and altered liver function tests.
  • Physical examination may reveal hepatomegaly, ascites, or signs of chronic liver disease.
  • Imaging studies such as ultrasound may show fatty liver changes or liver enlargement.
  • Severity criteria include the presence of inflammation and necrosis on liver biopsy, which can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Medical records must document the patient's history of alcohol consumption and any relevant liver function tests.
  • Specific terminology such as 'alcoholic steatohepatitis' must be used to ensure clarity in diagnosis.
  • Examples include documenting the duration and quantity of alcohol use, as well as any associated symptoms.
  • Medical necessity must be established through documentation of the impact of the condition on the patient's health.
  • Quality measures may require documentation of liver function tests and follow-up care plans.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use K70.10 for alcoholic steatohepatitis without coma and K70.11 for alcoholic steatohepatitis with coma.
  • Do not use these codes for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other liver conditions not related to alcohol consumption.
  • Similar codes include K70.0 (Alcoholic fatty liver) and K70.2 (Alcoholic fibrosis of liver), which should not be confused with alcoholic steatohepatitis.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the severity of the condition or failing to document the patient's alcohol use history.
  • In complex cases, ensure that the documentation supports the severity and specific type of alcoholic liver disease being treated.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (K76.0) and viral hepatitis (B15-B19).
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include K76.0 for non-alcoholic fatty liver.
  • Conditions are excluded due to differing etiologies and treatment approaches.
  • Common mistakes include misdiagnosing alcoholic steatohepatitis when the patient has non-alcoholic liver disease.
  • Related but distinct conditions include alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
K70.10
Alcoholic steatohepatitis without coma
K70.11
Alcoholic steatohepatitis with coma
Ancillary Codes
F10.10
K70.10
.
F10.129
K70.11
.
Differential Codes
K75.81

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Hepatology

Specialty Applications

  • This diagnosis applies to patients with a history of significant alcohol consumption.
  • Patient populations include adults, particularly those with risk factors such as obesity or metabolic syndrome.
  • Clinical settings include inpatient care for acute liver failure or outpatient management for chronic liver disease.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in hepatology and gastroenterology.
  • Treatment contexts include management of liver disease and interventions for alcohol use disorder.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with alcoholic steatohepatitis based on elevated liver enzymes and history of alcohol use.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with alcoholic steatohepatitis including jaundice and abdominal pain.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for alcoholic steatohepatitis met as evidenced by liver biopsy showing inflammation.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for alcoholic steatohepatitis with lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for alcoholic steatohepatitis including monitoring liver function tests and alcohol use.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Documentation must include a detailed history of alcohol consumption, liver function tests, and clinical findings.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Alcoholic steatohepatitis is characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage due to alcohol, unlike non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that the appropriate ICD-10 codes are used for billing.

What procedures are typically associated?

Commonly associated procedures include liver biopsy and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include monitoring liver function tests and documenting follow-up care plans.