2025 ICD-10-CM code K76.82
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the digestive system - Diseases of liver Diseases of the digestive system Feed
Hepatic encephalopathy, a condition causing brain dysfunction due to liver failure.Symptoms range from mild confusion to coma.
Modifiers are not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Modifiers apply to procedure codes.
Medical necessity for treating hepatic encephalopathy rests on the presence of clinically significant symptoms impacting the patient's daily life or requiring hospitalization.The documentation must support the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and the need for specific interventions (e.g., medication adjustments, dietary changes, lactulose therapy).
The clinical responsibility for managing hepatic encephalopathy involves a multidisciplinary approach.Gastroenterologists, hepatologists, neurologists, and intensivists may all play a role depending on the severity and context.Treatment involves managing the underlying liver disease, monitoring neurological status, and addressing symptoms through medications and supportive care.
In simple words: Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain problem caused by a poorly functioning liver.The liver normally removes toxins from the blood; when it can't, these toxins build up and affect the brain.This can cause symptoms ranging from mild confusion to severe disorientation and even coma.Treatment focuses on improving liver function and reducing toxins in the blood.
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), also known as portosystemic encephalopathy or hepatic coma, is a reversible neurological syndrome resulting from severe liver dysfunction.It's characterized by neuropsychiatric abnormalities stemming from the accumulation of neurotoxins in the bloodstream, which the impaired liver can no longer effectively filter.These toxins affect brain function, leading to symptoms ranging from subtle cognitive changes (like forgetfulness and mild confusion) to severe impairment (lethargy, disorientation, personality changes, coma).HE is often associated with underlying liver diseases like cirrhosis, but can also occur in acute liver failure. The severity of symptoms varies greatly, and diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, considering patient history, neurological examination, and potentially blood tests (e.g., ammonia levels) and neuroimaging. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying liver disease, reducing ammonia levels, and supporting brain function.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male with cirrhosis presents with altered mental status, disorientation, and flapping tremor (asterixis).His blood ammonia level is elevated.Diagnosis: Hepatic encephalopathy (K76.82) secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.3)., A 35-year-old female with acute liver failure following acetaminophen overdose exhibits fluctuating levels of consciousness and cognitive impairment. Diagnosis: Hepatic encephalopathy (K76.82) secondary to acute hepatic failure (K72.0)., A 45-year-old male with known cirrhosis is admitted for worsening encephalopathy after a recent episode of gastrointestinal bleeding.Diagnosis: Hepatic encephalopathy (K76.82), exacerbated by GI bleed (K92.2).
Complete history and physical examination focusing on neurological symptoms (mental status, cognitive function, motor skills).Detailed documentation of the underlying liver disease, including laboratory results (liver function tests, ammonia levels, blood counts, coagulation studies).Documentation of any precipitating factors (e.g., infection, bleeding, medication changes).Results of any neuropsychological testing or imaging studies (EEG, CT/MRI).
** The diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy often requires a thorough evaluation to differentiate from other conditions causing altered mental status.Careful documentation of the clinical findings is crucial for accurate coding.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will depend on the specific services rendered. Consult your local payer's guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes. RVUs are associated with CPT codes which represent the procedures and services performed.The reimbursement for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy would depend on the CPT codes used for the provided services.
- Global Days: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Neurology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office