Find comprehensive information on hepatomegaly, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment. This resource covers clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), liver enlargement, differential diagnosis, and relevant healthcare guidelines for managing hepatomegaly in a clinical setting. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, clinical findings associated with an enlarged liver, and the latest research on hepatomegaly.
Also known as
Hepatomegaly
Enlarged liver.
Diseases of liver
Covers various liver diseases that can cause hepatomegaly.
Ascites
Fluid buildup in the abdomen, sometimes linked to liver issues and hepatomegaly.
Esophageal varices
Dilated veins in the esophagus, often due to portal hypertension from liver disease.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is hepatomegaly due to a specific disease?
Yes
Is the cause heart failure?
No
Is hepatomegaly NOS?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Enlarged liver |
| Liver congestion |
| Fatty liver disease |
Coding hepatomegaly without documenting the underlying cause leads to inaccurate coding and potential underpayment. Use additional codes to specify the etiology.
Hepatomegaly is a sign. Ensure proper coding by linking it to the underlying diagnosis, not just reporting it as a standalone finding.
Coding based on imaging or physical exam without confirmatory clinical documentation can lead to audit risks. Ensure proper documentation supports the diagnosis.
Patient presents with complaints suggestive of hepatomegaly. Physical examination revealed an enlarged liver, palpable below the costal margin. Assessment includes possible causes of liver enlargement such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, right heart failure, and hepatic malignancy. Differential diagnosis includes splenomegaly, right pleural effusion, and subphrenic abscess. Ordered liver function tests (LFTs), complete blood count (CBC), abdominal ultrasound, and hepatitis panel to evaluate the etiology of the suspected hepatomegaly. Patient education provided regarding the importance of follow-up care and potential complications of underlying liver disease. Plan to correlate laboratory and imaging findings to further refine diagnosis and guide treatment. ICD-10 code R16.0, hepatomegaly, will be used for billing purposes. Further diagnostic studies may be indicated depending on the initial results. Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to review results and discuss management plan. Patient advised to contact the office sooner if symptoms worsen.