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2025 ICD-10-CM code K70.40

Alcoholic hepatic failure without coma.

Code also any associated conditions, such as alcohol abuse or dependence (F10.-), and any complications of liver failure.Use additional codes for hepatic encephalopathy if present. Consult the ICD-10-CM coding manual for the most current guidelines.

Medical necessity for the diagnosis and management of alcoholic hepatic failure without coma is established by the presence of clinical symptoms (e.g., jaundice, ascites, fatigue, edema), abnormal liver function tests, and imaging findings consistent with alcoholic liver disease.The documentation should support the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease and justify the level of care provided.

The clinical responsibility for a patient with K70.40 includes a thorough history and physical examination focusing on alcohol use, liver function tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI), and potentially a liver biopsy. Management may involve supportive care, detoxification if necessary, medications to treat complications, and lifestyle modifications including abstinence from alcohol.Referral to a hepatologist is frequently warranted. Regular monitoring of liver function is essential.

IMPORTANT:Consider additional codes to specify alcohol abuse or dependence (F10.-) and to further describe the severity and complications of the liver failure.Codes for other types of hepatic failure (e.g., K72.00 - acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma) should be considered if alcohol is not the primary cause.Also code the underlying liver disease.

In simple words: The liver isn't working properly because of long-term, heavy alcohol use, but the patient is not in a coma.

This ICD-10-CM code signifies alcoholic hepatic failure, a condition where the liver's function is severely impaired due to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption, but without the presence of coma.It is crucial to differentiate this from other forms of liver failure and to document the extent of liver damage and the patient's overall clinical presentation.

Example 1: A 55-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presents with jaundice, ascites, and edema. Liver function tests show severe impairment.He remains conscious and alert.K70.40 is coded., A 40-year-old female with a history of heavy alcohol use experiences progressively worsening fatigue, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort.Laboratory results reveal elevated liver enzymes and decreased albumin levels. She is conscious and oriented.K70.40 is appropriate., A 60-year-old male with a long history of alcohol dependence is admitted for hepatic encephalopathy. He is initially disoriented and lethargic, but treatment for encephalopathy leads to improvement and he remains conscious.K70.41 (Alcoholic hepatic failure with coma) may be more appropriate if coma is present at any point, even if transient.Documentation is key for accurate coding.

Detailed history of alcohol consumption, including quantity, frequency, and duration. Results of liver function tests (LFTs), including AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) to assess liver size, texture, and presence of ascites or other complications.If performed, liver biopsy results.Documentation of the patient’s mental status and any signs of hepatic encephalopathy.Any other relevant medical conditions.

** Accurate documentation of alcohol use and the severity of liver impairment is essential for correct coding and reimbursement.The absence of coma is a crucial distinction between K70.40 and K70.41.

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