2025 ICD-10-CM code K70.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the liver - Alcoholic liver disease Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95) Feed
Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
Medical necessity for services related to alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is established by the documented signs, symptoms, and complications of the disease.The need for diagnostic testing, treatment, and ongoing monitoring should be clearly justified based on the patient's individual clinical presentation.
Clinicians diagnosing and managing alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver have the responsibility to accurately assess the patient's condition, including the stage of liver disease, complications, and overall health status.This involves taking a thorough history, including alcohol consumption patterns, performing a physical examination, and ordering relevant laboratory and imaging tests.Management focuses on abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and treating complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.
In simple words: This code signifies scarring of the liver due to long-term alcohol abuse.
Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic liver disease characterized by scarring and irreversible damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a prolonged period.It represents the late stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presents with jaundice, ascites, and confusion. After a thorough evaluation, including liver function tests and imaging studies, the diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is confirmed., A 60-year-old patient with known alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver presents with hematemesis.Endoscopy reveals esophageal varices, which are banded to control the bleeding., A 48-year-old patient admitted for alcohol detoxification develops signs of hepatic encephalopathy.Further investigation reveals underlying alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
Documentation should include a detailed history of alcohol use, physical exam findings (e.g., jaundice, ascites, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly), laboratory results (e.g., liver function tests, coagulation studies), imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), and any procedures performed (e.g., paracentesis, endoscopy).The documentation should also reflect the severity of the cirrhosis and any associated complications.
** Excludes: hemochromatosis (E83.11-), Reye's syndrome (G93.7), viral hepatitis (B15-B19), Wilson's disease (E83.01).
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office