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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK75.81

K75.81

Billable

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K75.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (nash).

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, inflammation, and liver cell damage, occurring in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. Clinically, NASH may present with fatigue, malaise, and right upper quadrant discomfort, although many patients remain asymptomatic. The liver, primarily involved in metabolism and detoxification, can develop fibrosis and eventually progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. The disease is often associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, and liver biopsy to assess the degree of steatosis and inflammation. Laboratory tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and other markers of liver dysfunction. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent disease progression and associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and possibly biopsy for confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support diagnosis and treatment.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other liver diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other liver conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding liver function tests and imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for NASH diagnosis.

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

Endocrinology

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

NASH is a significant public health concern, with rising prevalence linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. It poses a risk for liver-related morbidity and mortality, impacting healthcare utilization patterns due to increased hospitalizations and the need for specialized care. Quality measures focus on early detection and management to prevent progression to advanced liver disease, highlighting the importance of awareness and screening in at-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

NASH is a significant public health concern, with rising prevalence linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. It poses a risk for liver-related morbidity and mortality, impacting healthcare utilization patterns due to increased hospitalizations and the need for specialized care. Quality measures focus on early detection and management to prevent progression to advanced liver disease, highlighting the importance of awareness and screening in at-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is well-documented and that any associated conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, are also coded. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for diagnostic tests. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient history, clinical assessments, and treatment plans to support claims.

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 K75.81?

K75.81 specifically covers nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is characterized by liver inflammation and damage due to fat accumulation, distinct from alcoholic liver disease and other liver conditions.

When should K75.81 be used instead of related codes?

K75.81 should be used when there is clear evidence of liver inflammation and damage associated with fat accumulation in patients who do not consume significant amounts of alcohol, differentiating it from K75.80.

What documentation supports K75.81?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results, liver function tests, and any biopsy results that confirm the diagnosis of NASH, along with a thorough patient history.