Cirrhosis of the liver is a major health condition and one that medical coders encounter often. To capture it correctly, you need to understand how the ICD 10 code for liver cirrhosis works. Using the right code is more than a billing necessity. It influences patient records, research accuracy, insurance outcomes, and even the way healthcare systems measure liver disease across populations.
This article will walk you through the different codes, explain their meaning, and provide real-world examples. By the end, you will feel confident assigning the most accurate code in any scenario.
What is Cirrhosis and Why Coding Accuracy Matters
Cirrhosis is the late stage of chronic liver disease. Healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue, which reduces the liver’s ability to filter blood, produce proteins, and regulate metabolism. Common causes include long-term alcohol use, hepatitis B or C infection, fatty liver disease, autoimmune damage, and certain genetic conditions.
For coders, documenting cirrhosis correctly is vital because:
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Insurance reimbursement depends on accurate classification.
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Public health studies track cirrhosis by cause and severity.
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Physicians rely on codes for continuity of care.
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Incomplete or vague coding can trigger claim denials.
Without precision, patients risk being misclassified, hospitals face financial strain, and researchers lose valuable insights.
General ICD 10 Code for Liver Cirrhosis
The core ICD 10 entry for cirrhosis is K74.6 – Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liver. This breaks down into:
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K74.60 – Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
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K74.69 – Other cirrhosis of liver
If the physician simply writes “cirrhosis” without mentioning cause or complication, coders use unspecified cirrhosis ICD 10 (K74.60). If the provider identifies cirrhosis but does not link it to alcohol or biliary disease, then K74.69 is used.
While these codes are sometimes necessary, they should not be your first choice if more specific information is available. Overusing K74.60 makes it harder for healthcare systems to track exact disease causes.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis Code
Alcohol-related liver disease is one of the most common reasons for cirrhosis. The alcoholic cirrhosis code is K70.3, and it divides further:
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K70.30 – Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver without ascites
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K70.31 – Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites
Ascites, which is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, signals more advanced disease. Coding it correctly is essential for reflecting the patient’s severity and ensuring proper reimbursement.
For example, a physician’s note stating “alcoholic cirrhosis with fluid retention” would point to K70.31. Without that detail, the default code would incorrectly show the patient as having no ascites.
Cirrhosis ICD 10 Classification by Cause
The ICD 10 system divides cirrhosis codes based on what caused the scarring. This helps distinguish alcoholic cases from autoimmune, viral, or biliary cases.
Here is a simplified table for reference:
| Clinical Note Says… | ICD 10 Code | Why This Code Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Cirrhosis, unspecified | K74.60 | Default when no cause is given |
| Non-alcoholic cirrhosis (autoimmune, viral) | K74.69 | Used when cirrhosis is specified but non-alcoholic |
| Alcoholic cirrhosis, no ascites | K70.30 | Reflects alcohol as cause and no fluid buildup |
| Alcoholic cirrhosis, with ascites | K70.31 | Includes both cause and complication |
| Secondary biliary cirrhosis | K74.4 | Indicates biliary obstruction as the cause |
| Biliary cirrhosis unspecified | K74.5 | For cirrhosis of biliary origin, unspecified |
| Hepatic fibrosis (precursor to cirrhosis) | K74.0 – K74.2 | Captures stages of scarring before cirrhosis |
This breakdown shows why reading the provider’s note carefully is key. Even a single word like “ascites” changes the correct code.
K74.60 Cirrhosis and Its Limitations
The K74.60 cirrhosis code is one of the most frequently assigned. However, coders should be cautious. Overuse can indicate a lack of provider documentation.
Consider this scenario:
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The provider writes only “cirrhosis.” You assign K74.60.
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Later, lab notes reveal long-term alcohol use and fluid buildup. The correct code would have been K70.31.
That difference affects not only insurance claims but also how the patient’s medical history is recorded. Asking providers for clarification when possible prevents these errors.
ICD 10 Codes for Cirrhosis Types and Liver Fibrosis
Not all liver damage progresses to cirrhosis immediately. Many patients are first diagnosed with liver fibrosis, which represents earlier stages of scarring. ICD 10 accounts for these as well:
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K74.0 – Hepatic fibrosis
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K74.1 – Hepatic sclerosis
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K74.2 – Hepatic fibrosis with sclerosis
These codes are important for research and clinical tracking. They allow clinicians to follow patients as they move from fibrosis to cirrhosis. Accurate use also prevents premature classification as cirrhosis.
Documentation Tips for Coders
To apply the right cirrhosis ICD 10 classification, always check for the following:
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Cause of cirrhosis – Is it alcoholic, biliary, autoimmune, viral, or unspecified?
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Presence of complications – Especially ascites, varices, or encephalopathy.
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Stage of disease – Fibrosis versus cirrhosis.
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Terminology – Avoid guessing when providers use vague terms like “liver damage.”
Coders should also educate providers about the importance of documenting specifics. A short phrase like “with ascites” or “alcoholic origin” can make a major difference.
Real-World Examples
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Case 1: A 58-year-old male with a long history of alcohol use presents with cirrhosis and significant ascites. Correct code: K70.31.
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Case 2: A 44-year-old female diagnosed with cirrhosis, no mention of cause or complications. Correct code: K74.60.
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Case 3: A 61-year-old patient with autoimmune hepatitis leading to cirrhosis. Correct code: K74.69.
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Case 4: A 53-year-old patient with advanced hepatic fibrosis but no cirrhosis yet. Correct code: K74.0.
Expanding real-world cases helps coders see how subtle differences in documentation change the outcome.
Why the ICD 10 Code for Liver Cirrhosis Matters
Coding is not just about getting claims approved. It shapes the healthcare landscape in many ways:
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Insurance: Specific codes prevent claim rejections and unnecessary delays.
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Clinical Care: Detailed coding highlights severity, which guides follow-up and treatment.
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Research: Classifying cirrhosis types allows better understanding of population health.
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Compliance: Hospitals meet reporting standards with accurate coding.
When coders apply the correct ICD 10 code for liver cirrhosis, they strengthen the entire healthcare process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general ICD 10 code for liver cirrhosis?
The general code is K74.6, which includes K74.60 (unspecified) and K74.69 (other).
Which code applies to alcoholic cirrhosis?
Alcoholic cirrhosis uses K70.3, with K70.30 for cases without ascites and K70.31 for cases with ascites.
Can cirrhosis and fibrosis be coded together?
No, you code the highest stage documented. If cirrhosis is confirmed, you do not also code fibrosis.
What if the provider only documents “end-stage liver disease”?
That documentation is not specific. Coders should query the provider for clarification before assigning a cirrhosis code.
Why should K74.60 be avoided when possible?
It is too general. Whenever the cause is known, more specific codes like K70.3 or K74.69 should be used.
Final Thoughts
The ICD 10 code for liver cirrhosis is more than a string of letters and numbers. It is a snapshot of a patient’s condition, a tool for guiding treatment, and a key to ensuring accurate healthcare data.
Coders should always aim for the most specific code available, whether that is K74.60 cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis code, or liver fibrosis ICD 10. Providers, in turn, should document with clarity so coders can do their job effectively.
When accuracy becomes a habit, it benefits everyone: the patient, the provider, the insurer, and the healthcare system as a whole.