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 CodesK72.1

K72.1

Non-billable

Chronic hepatic failure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K72.1 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic hepatic failure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic hepatic failure, classified under K72.1, is characterized by the progressive deterioration of liver function over time, often resulting from chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, fatigue, and hepatic encephalopathy. The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of proteins. As chronic hepatic failure progresses, the liver's ability to perform these functions diminishes, leading to systemic complications. Diagnostic considerations include liver function tests, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsy to assess the underlying cause and extent of liver damage. Management typically involves addressing the underlying condition, supportive care, and monitoring for complications, making early diagnosis and intervention critical to improving patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive evaluation of liver function and potential underlying causes.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary approaches, including hepatology, nutrition, and possibly transplant considerations.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from acute hepatic failure (K72.0) and other liver conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification between acute and chronic hepatic failure.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the patient's history and treatment plan.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or lack of specificity in coding.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

Chronic hepatic failure significantly impacts population health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates associated with liver disease. It places a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to frequent hospitalizations and the need for specialized care. Quality measures often focus on early detection and management of liver disease to improve outcomes. Epidemiologically, chronic liver disease prevalence varies by region, influenced by factors such as alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis rates, and obesity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic hepatic failure significantly impacts population health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates associated with liver disease. It places a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to frequent hospitalizations and the need for specialized care. Quality measures often focus on early detection and management of liver disease to improve outcomes. Epidemiologically, chronic liver disease prevalence varies by region, influenced by factors such as alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis rates, and obesity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of care provided, which may involve multiple specialties. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for tests and treatments. Coders should ensure that all services rendered are well-documented and align with the diagnosis to avoid billing issues.

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 K72.1?

K72.1 encompasses chronic liver failure resulting from various underlying conditions such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease. It is essential to document the specific etiology when available.

When should K72.1 be used instead of related codes?

K72.1 should be used when there is clear evidence of chronic liver failure, as opposed to acute conditions or transient liver dysfunction, which may be coded differently.

What documentation supports K72.1?

Documentation should include liver function tests, imaging results, clinical symptoms, and any relevant history of liver disease. Comprehensive notes on treatment plans and patient responses are also critical.