2025 ICD-10-CM code K70.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the liver - Alcoholic liver disease Diseases of the digestive system Feed
Alcoholic hepatic failure; encompasses acute, subacute, and chronic forms.
Modifiers may apply depending on the specific services rendered and the context of care.Consult the applicable payer guidelines for details.
Medical necessity for managing alcoholic hepatic failure is supported by the presence of significant liver dysfunction, as evidenced by abnormal LFTs and clinical manifestations such as jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, and other complications.Treatment may involve supportive measures, medication to manage complications, and potentially liver transplant evaluation.
The clinical responsibility for managing alcoholic hepatic failure typically involves a multidisciplinary team including hepatologists (liver specialists), gastroenterologists, and intensivists (critical care specialists), depending on the severity and presentation of the disease.Close monitoring of liver function, electrolyte levels, and mental status is crucial.
In simple words: This code describes a serious liver problem caused by excessive alcohol use. The liver stops working correctly, which can be sudden or happen gradually over time.It can lead to other health problems, sometimes requiring emergency care.
Alcoholic hepatic failure represents a severe complication of chronic alcohol abuse, leading to the liver's inability to function properly.It can manifest acutely, subacutely, or chronically, with varying degrees of severity. The condition is characterized by impaired liver function, potentially resulting in hepatic encephalopathy (liver-related brain dysfunction) and other life-threatening complications.Specific subcategories within K70.4 may indicate the presence or absence of coma.
Example 1: A 55-year-old male with a history of heavy alcohol consumption presents to the emergency room with altered mental status, jaundice, and ascites.Laboratory tests reveal severe liver dysfunction.The diagnosis is acute alcoholic hepatic failure (K70.41)., A 48-year-old female with a long history of alcoholism is admitted to the hospital for progressive fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal distention.She is diagnosed with chronic alcoholic hepatic failure (K70.41) based on clinical findings, imaging studies, and blood tests., A 62-year-old male with chronic alcoholism develops sudden worsening of his liver disease. He presents with confusion and disorientation. Medical team determines the patient has subacute alcoholic hepatic failure (K70.40) after comprehensive clinical examination and lab tests.
Thorough history and physical examination focusing on alcohol consumption; liver function tests (LFTs) including bilirubin, AST, ALT, and albumin; imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the abdomen; and potentially a liver biopsy to assess the extent of liver damage.Documentation should also include any complications, such as encephalopathy, ascites, or coagulopathy.
** This code is used to bill for the diagnosis of alcoholic hepatic failure.The severity and specific type of failure should be documented clearly.Prognosis varies widely depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility