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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK72.0

K72.0

Non-billable

Acute and subacute hepatic failure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K72.0 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of acute and subacute hepatic failure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute and subacute hepatic failure (K72.0) refers to a rapid deterioration of liver function, characterized by the inability of the liver to perform its synthetic and metabolic functions. Clinically, patients may present with jaundice, coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. Acute hepatic failure can develop within days to weeks, often following viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, or ischemic events. Subacute hepatic failure, on the other hand, may evolve over a longer period, typically within 1 to 3 months. Diagnostic considerations include liver function tests, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsy to ascertain the underlying cause. Early recognition and management are critical to prevent progression to chronic liver failure or death, making timely intervention essential for patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of acute vs. chronic liver failure.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient clinical details regarding the onset and progression of symptoms.
  • Billing challenges often stem from the need for extensive documentation to support the severity and urgency of the condition.

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

Acute and subacute hepatic failure significantly impacts population health, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. It poses a high risk of morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective management strategies. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization. Epidemiologically, the incidence of acute liver failure varies based on underlying causes, with viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury being prominent contributors.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute and subacute hepatic failure significantly impacts population health, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. It poses a high risk of morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective management strategies. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization. Epidemiologically, the incidence of acute liver failure varies based on underlying causes, with viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury being prominent contributors.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the necessity for inpatient care. Common denials may arise from inadequate documentation supporting the acute nature of the liver failure. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are comprehensive and that the coding accurately reflects the patient's condition to avoid billing discrepancies.

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 K72.0?

K72.0 encompasses acute liver failure due to various etiologies, including viral hepatitis, drug toxicity, and autoimmune liver diseases. It is essential to document the specific cause to support the diagnosis.

When should K72.0 be used instead of related codes?

K72.0 should be used when there is clear evidence of acute or subacute liver failure, particularly when the patient exhibits significant clinical symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy or coagulopathy, differentiating it from chronic liver conditions.

What documentation supports K72.0?

Documentation should include laboratory results indicating liver function impairment, clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, and any imaging or biopsy results that support the diagnosis of acute or subacute hepatic failure.