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K76.0
ICD-10-CM
Steatosis of Liver

Find clear information on steatosis of liver, also known as fatty liver disease. Learn about the diagnosis, clinical documentation requirements for ICD-10-CM code K76.0, and effective healthcare management strategies. This resource covers symptoms, causes, and treatment options for hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Explore details on liver function tests (LFTs), imaging studies, and pathology reports related to fatty liver. Understand the importance of accurate medical coding and billing for steatosis, including relevant SNOMED CT codes.

Also known as

Fatty Liver
Hepatic Steatosis
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Fatty liver buildup, often asymptomatic, linked to obesity and metabolic issues.
  • Clinical Signs : Usually none. May have fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or abnormal liver tests.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, gastroenterology, hepatology clinics. Diagnosed via imaging or biopsy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K76.0 Coding
K75.8

Other specified liver diseases

Includes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

K76.0

Fatty liver, not elsewhere classified

Covers unspecified fatty change of the liver.

K70-K77

Diseases of liver

Encompasses various liver conditions, including steatosis.

E88.8

Other disorders of mineral metabolism

May be relevant in cases of steatosis linked to metabolic issues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the steatosis alcoholic?

  • Yes

    Is fibrosis/cirrhosis present?

  • No

    Is it due to a drug/toxin?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Fatty liver disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Liver steatosis diagnosis: Imaging evidence (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
  • Steatosis grade documented: Mild, moderate, or severe
  • Cause of steatosis: NAFLD, NASH, alcohol, medication, other
  • Symptoms: Hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, or asymptomatic
  • Relevant labs: ALT, AST, GGT, and bilirubin levels

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Steatosis

    Coding K76.0 without specifying alcoholic vs. nonalcoholic (K70.0, K75.8) when documentation allows leads to inaccurate reporting and potential DRG misclassification.

  • Missing Etiology

    Failing to document the underlying cause of steatosis (e.g., alcohol, metabolic syndrome) impacts coding specificity, quality metrics, and care planning.

  • Comorbidity Overlap

    Incorrectly coding NASH as simple steatosis or vice-versa, especially with concurrent conditions like diabetes/obesity, affects reimbursement and risk adjustment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 K76.0 accurate coding for steatosis
  • CDI: Document etiology, severity, comorbidities
  • HCC coding: Capture risk adjustment implications
  • Nutrition counseling: Promote weight loss, healthy diet
  • Limit alcohol: Advise patients on safe alcohol limits
  • Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Elevated ALT/AST? ICD-10: K76.0 Document fatty liver disease indicators.
  • 2. Imaging (ultrasound/MRI) shows hepatic steatosis? SNOMED CT: 266442009
  • 3. Exclude other liver diseases (e.g., viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease) Document exclusion criteria.
  • 4. Assess risk factors: obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia. ICD-10: E66.9, E11.9, E78.5
  • 5. Patient education on lifestyle modifications. Document patient counseling.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Steatosis of Liver reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (K76.0) and supporting documentation for optimal payer coverage.
  • HCC coding for Steatosis impacts risk adjustment scores and subsequent reimbursement in value-based care models.
  • Proper coding and documentation of Steatosis severity influences quality metrics related to chronic liver disease management.
  • Timely diagnosis coding and reporting of Steatosis improves hospital data accuracy for public health surveillance and resource allocation.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K76.0 for simple steatosis
  • Specify etiology if known
  • Document NASH for K75.8
  • Use K75.81 for NAFLD
  • Add ICD-10-CM code for fibrosis

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with suspected hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease.  Clinical findings suggest nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the most likely etiology, given the absence of significant alcohol consumption reported.  The patient denies excessive alcohol intake, defined as more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.  Relevant symptoms include fatigue and right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort.  Physical examination revealed mild hepatomegaly.  Laboratory results show elevated liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), with an ASTALT ratio less than 1.  Imaging studies, including an abdominal ultrasound, demonstrate increased echogenicity consistent with fatty infiltration of the liver.  Differential diagnoses considered include alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), hepatitis, and metabolic syndrome.  Given the patient's history and clinical picture, NAFLD is the primary diagnosis.  Treatment plan focuses on lifestyle modifications, including weight loss through diet and exercise, to address the underlying metabolic dysfunction.  Patient education regarding the importance of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoidance of hepatotoxic substances was provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor liver enzyme levels and assess treatment response.  ICD-10 code K76.0, unspecified fatty liver, assigned.  CPT code 99213 for the established patient office visit with a low level of medical decision making is documented.  The patient demonstrates understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan.