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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ44.70

Q44.70

Billable

Other congenital malformation of liver, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q44.70 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other congenital malformation of liver, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital malformations of the liver can encompass a variety of structural abnormalities that may affect liver function and overall health. These malformations can arise from genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both during fetal development. Conditions such as biliary atresia, hepatic cysts, and congenital hepatic fibrosis fall under this category. While some malformations may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, others can lead to significant complications, including liver failure, portal hypertension, and growth retardation in pediatric patients. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, alongside laboratory tests to assess liver function. Management may require surgical intervention, medical therapy, or liver transplantation, depending on the severity and type of malformation. Understanding the implications of these conditions is crucial for pediatric care, as they can significantly impact a child's growth and development.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of liver malformations
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests
  • Potential for associated congenital anomalies in other systems
  • Differentiation from acquired liver conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of malformation
  • Misclassification of congenital versus acquired conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for ongoing management

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation should include growth parameters, developmental milestones, and specific symptoms related to liver function. Detailed family history and prenatal factors should also be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a newborn presenting with jaundice, failure to thrive, or abdominal distension, prompting evaluation for congenital liver malformations.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coders must be aware of the developmental implications of liver malformations and the need for multidisciplinary care involving gastroenterology, surgery, and nutrition.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history of congenital conditions, results of genetic testing, and any syndromic associations with liver malformations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of congenital liver disease or when a child is diagnosed with a malformation that may have a genetic basis.

Billing Considerations

Genetic coders should consider the implications of chromosomal abnormalities that may co-occur with liver malformations, such as trisomy 18 or Turner syndrome.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q44.70 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, congenital conditions should be coded based on the specific malformation identified
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including clinical findings, imaging results, and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q44.70 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

44160CPT Code

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of congenital biliary atresia requiring gallbladder removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention in congenital cases.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of congenital conditions and their outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital malformations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of congenital conditions and their outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better tracking of congenital conditions and their outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for coding Q44.70?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment of the liver malformation, imaging studies, laboratory results, and any surgical or medical interventions performed. It is essential to specify the nature of the malformation and any associated conditions.