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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR74.01

R74.01

Elevation of levels of liver transaminase levels

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R74.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of elevation of levels of liver transaminase levels.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Elevation of liver transaminase levels, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicates potential liver injury or dysfunction. These enzymes are primarily found in the liver, and their elevation in serum is often a marker of hepatocellular damage. Common clinical presentations may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, or nonspecific symptoms. Laboratory findings typically reveal elevated ALT and AST levels, often in conjunction with other liver function tests. The degree of elevation can vary, with mild elevations often seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while significantly elevated levels may indicate acute hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury. It is crucial to interpret these findings in the context of the patient's clinical history, risk factors, and additional diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the transaminase elevation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes (e.g., viral hepatitis, alcohol use, medications)
  • Need for correlation with clinical symptoms and history
  • Differentiation from other liver-related codes
  • Potential for transient elevations due to non-hepatic conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of elevation
  • Failure to link symptoms with laboratory findings
  • Misinterpretation of transient elevations
  • Inconsistent use of related codes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including alcohol use, medication history, and risk factors for liver disease.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine check-ups revealing elevated liver enzymes, patients with chronic liver disease monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions that may affect liver function, such as diabetes or obesity.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including presenting symptoms, vital signs, and immediate lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain or jaundice, requiring urgent evaluation of liver function.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment of potential acute liver failure or drug toxicity.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R74.01 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and abnormal findings
  • Ensure that the code is supported by clinical documentation and that the underlying cause is identified when possible

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R74.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80076CPT Code

Liver function tests

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate liver function in patients with elevated transaminases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and correlate with clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and gastroenterology may require additional tests based on initial findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of liver enzyme elevations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of liver-related conditions and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of liver enzyme elevations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of liver-related conditions and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of liver enzyme elevations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of liver-related conditions and their management.

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 are the common causes of elevated liver transaminases?

Common causes include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and metabolic disorders.

How should I document elevated liver transaminases?

Document the patient's clinical symptoms, history, and any relevant risk factors, along with the specific laboratory findings.