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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK71.50

K71.50

Billable

Toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis without ascites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K71.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis without ascites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis without ascites (K71.50) refers to liver damage resulting from exposure to toxic substances, leading to inflammation and chronic hepatitis. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing bile for digestion. In cases of toxic liver disease, the hepatocytes (liver cells) are damaged, resulting in chronic inflammation characterized by ongoing liver cell injury and necrosis. Patients may present with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. The disease can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis if the toxic exposure continues or is not adequately managed. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history to identify potential toxic exposures, laboratory tests to assess liver function, and imaging studies to evaluate liver structure. A liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent further liver damage and complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive history and lab tests to identify toxic exposure.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve cessation of exposure, supportive care, and monitoring for complications.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, lab results, and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other liver diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Inadequate documentation of toxic exposure history.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of clear linkage between diagnosis and treatment.

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

The clinical significance of K71.50 lies in its potential to progress to severe liver disease, impacting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of toxic liver disease is crucial, as it can affect various populations depending on occupational exposures and substance use patterns. Quality measures may include monitoring liver function tests and patient education on avoiding further toxic exposures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K71.50 lies in its potential to progress to severe liver disease, impacting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of toxic liver disease is crucial, as it can affect various populations depending on occupational exposures and substance use patterns. Quality measures may include monitoring liver function tests and patient education on avoiding further toxic exposures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for thorough documentation that links the diagnosis to the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the toxic exposure or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the treatments rendered. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis and justify the services billed.

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 K71.50?

K71.50 covers chronic active hepatitis resulting from toxic liver disease, specifically when there is no presence of ascites. This includes liver damage from substances such as alcohol, drugs, or industrial chemicals.

When should K71.50 be used instead of related codes?

K71.50 should be used when the patient presents with chronic active hepatitis due to toxic exposure without ascites, differentiating it from other liver conditions that may involve ascites or acute liver injury.

What documentation supports K71.50?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history of toxic exposure, laboratory results indicating liver function tests, imaging studies, and any biopsy results confirming chronic active hepatitis.