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 CodesR16.0

R16.0

Hepatomegaly, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R16.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hepatomegaly, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, is a clinical finding that can indicate a variety of underlying conditions. It is characterized by an increase in liver size beyond the normal range, which can be detected through physical examination or imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Symptoms associated with hepatomegaly may include abdominal discomfort, fullness, or pain, jaundice, and signs of liver dysfunction. Common causes of hepatomegaly include liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver tumors, as well as systemic conditions like congestive heart failure and metabolic disorders. The diagnosis of hepatomegaly is often made incidentally during imaging for other reasons, and further evaluation is typically required to determine the underlying cause. Laboratory findings may include elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and abnormal coagulation profiles, which can help guide the diagnostic process. Accurate coding of hepatomegaly is essential for proper patient management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for additional diagnostic testing
  • Differentiation from other liver-related codes
  • Documentation of clinical findings and symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of hepatomegaly
  • Inconsistent coding with laboratory findings
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect billing

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history and physical examination notes, including symptoms, lab results, and imaging findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, jaundice, or incidental findings on imaging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the underlying cause of hepatomegaly is documented to avoid coding errors.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes that capture the patient's presenting symptoms, vital signs, and any immediate lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain or signs of liver failure presenting to the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document any acute changes in liver function tests and the need for urgent imaging.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R16.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when hepatomegaly is documented and not classified elsewhere
  • Additional codes may be required to specify the underlying condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R16.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

76700CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate hepatomegaly and assess liver structure.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the ultrasound and findings related to hepatomegaly.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the ultrasound report is linked to the diagnosis of hepatomegaly.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of liver conditions, including hepatomegaly, which can improve the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of liver conditions, including hepatomegaly, which can improve the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 is the difference between hepatomegaly and liver enlargement?

Hepatomegaly is a medical term specifically used to describe the enlargement of the liver, which can be detected through imaging or physical examination. Liver enlargement may refer to the same condition but can also encompass other factors affecting liver size.