Fatty liver disease is a common diagnostic finding, which requires accurate ICD 10 coding, documentation, and medical billing services. For healthcare providers, the issue of choosing the appropriate ICD 10 code for fatty liver goes beyond the identification of fat in the liver. The code has to accurately represent the diagnosis established by the provider, allow to differentiate the diagnosis from related issues, and meet the coding guidelines.
Wrong code types or wrong codes can lead to rejected claims, increased admin cost, and delays in reimbursement. The knowledge of NAFLD and NASH with fat vs liver helps medical billing companies and practices make the right submissions.
This article covers the most common fatty liver codes, documentation tips to enhance code selection, and the billing impact. It also provides recommendations on improving coding accuracy and optimizing the practices’ revenue cycle management.
What Is the ICD 10 Code for Fatty Liver?
The most common ICD 10 code for fatty liver is K76.0 – Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified. It classifies liver conditions with fat in it as the primary or secondary diagnosis, unless the provider’s documentation states otherwise.
Nonetheless, healthcare professionals should not use the same code K76.0 for all types of liver diseases. The choice of code has to depend on the diagnosis established by the provider, which classifies the patient’s issue as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and determines its type.
For example, there is a separate code – K75.81 – for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The codes’ classifications highlight the importance of distinguishing between NASH and other conditions related to fatty liver.
The correct code choice can benefit practices by helping them reflect the diagnosis accurately and receive the due reimbursement.
Common Fatty Liver ICD 10 Codes
Several ICD-10-CM codes can relate to the diagnosis of a patient with fatty liver disease or any other liver condition. The table below provides the most common codes for fatty liver.
| ICD-10-CM code | Description | Coding consideration |
| K76.0 | Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified | Includes NAFLD and MASLD when supported by the documented diagnosis |
| K75.81 | Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) | Use when the provider documents NASH |
| K70.0 | Alcoholic fatty liver | Applies to documented alcoholic fatty liver |
| K70.9 | Alcoholic liver disease, unspecified | Applies when the documented diagnosis is alcoholic liver disease without further specification |
| K74.00 | Hepatic fibrosis, unspecified | Consider when the provider documents hepatic fibrosis without further specificity |
| K74.60 | Unspecified cirrhosis of liver | Applies to documented cirrhosis when the record does not establish a more specific classification |
| R74.8 | Abnormal levels of other serum enzymes | May apply to documented abnormal serum enzyme findings when appropriate |
Note that it is inappropriate to use the above codes interchangeably or assume that the findings reported by a diagnostic test are the provider’s diagnosis. Before using any code, check the applicable descriptor, inclusion terms, exclusions, and reporting instructions. K74.00, K74.60, and R74.8 should not be assigned due to a patient’s fatty liver.
The official resources of CMS provide the applicable code files and guidelines for the current ICD-10 coding classification. The FY 2027 code set applies to encounters on or after October 1, 2026, and through September 30, 2027.
Healthcare providers and coders can consult the official FY 2027 ICD-10-CM code files from CMS to verify current code descriptions and applicable annual updates.
Understanding K76.0: Fatty Liver Disease ICD 10
K76.0 is among the most searched codes when studying the fatty liver disease ICD 10 classification. It refers to fatty (change of) liver, which falls under the category “not elsewhere classified.”
The provider may establish the diagnosis of fatty liver after reviewing the results of a diagnostic test, lab work, medical history, or any other clinical or diagnostic procedures. However, the billing team has to differentiate findings and the provider’s diagnosis to select the code that accurately reflects the patient’s condition.
For example, an ultrasound exam reports the presence of fat in the liver. The coder will have to reference the chart to identify if the provider has determined a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, NAFLD, MASLD or something else.
It is important for the coding team to rely on the official classification and the provider’s documentation when choosing the code, not the findings of a diagnostic procedure.
When Should K76.0 Be Used?
K76.0 may apply to the provider’s diagnosis that falls under the category of fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified. It primarily refers to cases of NAFLD or MASLD, according to the current code set.
The billing team has to consider several factors when selecting this code. First of all, the coders have to
- Review the provider’s assessment and diagnosis;
- Confirm that the documentation supports the diagnosis of fatty liver;
- Consult the current ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and Tabular List;
- Take into account any exclusion notes and additional instructions;
- Ensure that the provider’s diagnosis reflects the services rendered;
Before selecting the code, the coding team has to go through these steps to minimize the possibility of errors.
NAFLD vs. NASH: What Is the Difference in ICD 10 Coding?
NASHÂ and NAFLD share the same code, but they aren’t the same.
NAFLD is defined as fat in the liver in the absence of alcohol use that is categorized under the specified diagnosis. NASH is a more specific condition involving hepatic steatosis and inflammation, with potential liver cell injury.
The distinction matters because the ICD-10-CM classification assigns different codes to these diagnoses.
NAFLD ICD 10: K76.0
The NAFLD ICD 10 code is K76.0 if nonalcoholic fatty liver is established by the provider and applicable in the ICD coding.
The record needs to be able to substantiate NAFLD as the diagnosis. A biller shouldn’t be assuming NAFLD due to a patient being obese or diabetic, liver function studies or imaging.
NASH ICD 10: K75.81
The NASH ICD 10 code is K75.81. The NASH code can be used if the provider states that it is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Coders should be aware of the exclusion note for K76.0. The rule separates the NASH conditions from the conditions coded with K76.0, and code combinations that attribute both diagnoses to the same condition would contradict the coding instruction.
When documentation uses vague terminology, such as fatty liver with suspected inflammation, the billing team should follow applicable outpatient or inpatient coding rules and seek clarification when necessary.
Similar terminology does not always mean the same diagnosis. Follow the provider’s documented clinical conclusion.
Do not determine NAFLD or NASH from obesity, diabetes, elevated liver enzymes, or imaging alone. The record and applicable coding rules must support the assigned diagnosis.
What About MASLD?
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the latest classification that refers to the condition that was previously known as NAFLD. The FY 2027 code set includes MASLD under K76.0. Nonetheless, coders should use the current code set and rely on the provider’s documentation, not try to adjust older diagnoses to the new set of terms.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ICD 10 Coding
The coding guidelines for alcoholic fatty liver are significantly different from those that apply to NAFLD or NASH. When the provider establishes the diagnosis of alcoholic fatty liver, the code K70.0 may apply. If the record does not indicate a specific type of alcohol-related liver disease, K70.9 may be appropriate, according to the official guidelines.
The coders should not select any code that refers to alcoholic liver disease due to a mention of alcohol use in the patient’s record. The documentation should clearly include the diagnosis as indicated by the documentation. If the documentation is unclear and inconsistent, do not choose a code based on guesswork or assumption – write to query the record.
Accurate diagnostic distinguishing of alcohol-related from nonalcohol-related liver disease is vital to ensuring accurate diagnoses and avoiding claim denials.
Documentation Guidelines for Accurate Fatty Liver Coding
Thorough and accurate documentation is the foundation of accurate diagnosis coding. Even when the coders know the correct ICD 10 code for fatty liver, there are common documentation pitfalls that can result in denied claims.
The healthcare providers can ensure better documentation and reduce the likelihood of rejected claims by following a few simple guidelines.
Record the Specific Diagnosis
The provider-established diagnosis must be documented in the medical record. (Name of diagnosis) hepatic steatosis, NAFLD, MASLD, NASH, alcoholic fatty liver, can’t be used synonymously.
In cases where the diagnosis isn’t easily seen on the record, the coding team will need to query the provider using the recommended practice guidelines.
Include Relevant Clinical Findings
The record can include the imaging and lab test results, relevant history, and the provider’s assessment. The findings can help the coders to determine the patient’s diagnosis.
However, the documentation of a lab test or imaging result alone is not sufficient grounds for selecting a more specific diagnosis code.
Document Related Conditions Separately
The patients with fatty liver disease often present with diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hepatic fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The documentation of these conditions can be important for the patient’s management and coding.
Nonetheless, coders should not assign additional codes due to the frequent occurrence of fatty liver disease alongside other issues unless the documentation explicitly states these conditions.
Clarify Conflicting or Incomplete Records
Sometimes the records contradict each other or miss crucial information. For example, the provider’s assessment may state that the patient has fatty liver, while the rest of the record refers to a different liver condition.
In such cases, the billing team has to request clarification. An official query from the practice can help the coding team to obtain the information that it needs to make an informed decision.
Follow Current ICD-10-CM Guidelines
Code descriptions, inclusion terms, exclusion notes, and reporting instructions are subject to change. The coding teams should always follow the code set that applies to the date of service.
For additional code lookup and classification information, coders can use CDC’s official ICD-10-CM coding resources to review the applicable fiscal-year release and verify diagnosis codes.
A consistent documentation review helps your team select codes that reflect the provider’s findings and diagnosis.
Practices can optimize their documentation and coding processes by relying on professional documentation review and medical coding services.
Common Fatty Liver Coding Challenges
Coding for fatty liver can prove challenging when documentation contains multiple, conflicting diagnoses or does not fully support a specific condition
Confusing K76.0 With K75.81
A fatty liver code selection mistake is made when coders cannot differentiate between similar diagnoses, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
The K76.0 code in ICD-10-CM classifies fatty liver diagnoses.
Meanwhile, the K75.81 code also relates to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In all cases, it is essential to refer to the provider’s final diagnosis and the complete code first to know which to choose.
Coding From Abnormal Laboratory Results Alone
An elevated liver enzymes test result often serves only as a reason for further diagnostic evaluation.
R74.8 may apply to specific abnormal serum enzyme detection findings, provided the documentation supports the final diagnosis.
A coder should never select a diagnosis code for abnormal liver function tests as a substitute for the provider’s documented assessment.
Overlooking Alcohol-Related Documentation
A patient’s alcohol consumption history does not always confirm alcoholic liver disease. The provider must explicitly code alcohol related liver disease before selecting a category from K70.
Using Unspecified Codes Without Review
There is a generic code if a provider does not know a more specific diagnosis. In this case, the coder must confirm this by referring to documentation.
A coding team should not choose a more specific code than the one the provider has selected to increase reimbursement. The coder’s selection must match the documentation exactly.
Failing to Review Annual Code Updates
Applying an outdated code version may produce inaccurate descriptor information and fail to include important instructional notes.
For current ICD-10-CM coding information, providers and facilities should always consult CMS web resources and the appropriate fiscal year’s guidelines.
How Fatty Liver Coding Affects Medical Billing and Reimbursement
Connect accurate diagnosis coding with claim validation, submission, and follow-up.
Correct ICD-10-CM coding enables submission of a claim without errors, but it cannot guarantee reimbursement to the insured party. The claim should include correct procedure and service codes, subscriber’s eligibility data, and particular policies related to the payers.
Primary care and family medicine practices managing patients with fatty liver disease can benefit from family practice billing services in Minnesota that support accurate diagnosis coding, claim submission, and payer-specific requirements.
For example, a denied claim can be explained by a diagnosis that is not linked to a service billed or by a documentation that does not reflect a diagnosis submitted. Reviewing the documentation to support each service and confirming the appropriate level of detail for the billed service helps avoid claim denials.
A Practice’s Guide to Diagnosis-Specific Claim Submission and Review
A healthcare practice must conduct a diagnosis review as part of the overall claim submission process.
Verify Medical Necessity
Prior to submitting claims, make sure that the documents justify the diagnosis that was made and that the service that was claimed is suitable for medical necessity. Different criteria are required for some diagnostic tests, specialist’s consultation, and treatment. Always consult the payer’s policy before submission of claims instead of thinking that the diagnosis is valid.
Check the Complete Claim
An accurate diagnosis is only one element of an overall claim. Review the patient’s eligibility, physician information, and authorization requirements, if applicable, for accuracy. Procedure codes and payer-specific requirements also affect the accuracy of the submitted information. A practice should always double-check the claim before submission.
Monitor Denials and Correct Errors
If the payer denies the claim, it is essential to look through the denial or the electronic remittance advice to determine the cause of the denial and then resolve the issue and resubmit the claim or appeal the denial. A practice may also take advantage of professional denial management services to help identify the cause of a claim denial and take the next steps.
For more information about claim accuracy and denial management, a provider can also review this resource about emergency department coding mistakes.
How Healthcare Practices Can Improve Fatty Liver Claim Accuracy
A consistent coding workflow helps reduce avoidable rework and improves the quality of submitted claims.
Create a diagnosis verification process. Require coders to compare the selected code with the provider’s assessment and the official code descriptor.
Maintain updated coding references. Use the correct fiscal-year ICD-10-CM files and review changes before applying them to new claims.
Provide regular staff training. Educate billing teams about the differences between K76.0, K75.81, and relevant alcoholic liver disease codes.
Review payer requirements. Confirm coverage rules and documentation requirements for the services being billed.
Track recurring errors. Analyze denials and corrected claims to identify whether problems arise from documentation, code selection, eligibility, or claim submission.
Coordinate with providers. Establish the process for addressing incomplete and conflicting clinical documentation without affecting the provider’s independent judgment.
Practices that require additional support in their operations may consider medical billing companies in Minnesota to help them with claims, coding reviews, and other revenue cycle services.
Practices can also review the revenue cycle management process for medical billing to identify workflow improvements across documentation, claim submission, payment tracking, and denial follow-up.
Why Professional Medical Coding Support Matters
Claim management, coding, and denial review consume a significant amount of time for a practice’s administrative and finance staff. In addition, maintaining accurate documentation and understanding payer-specific requirements becomes increasingly complex when a practice operates multiple areas of care.
Medical coding and billing services help practices to apply the correct procedure and diagnosis codes, identify opportunities for improvement, and reduce the number of claim errors.
When selecting the best medical billing company in Minnesota for a practice’s needs, consider its overall understanding of coding requirements and payer-specific criteria, as well as the staff’s response and reporting options.
An experienced billing service can help a practice manage its claim and denial management, without overstating its ability to influence the outcome of a specific claim.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct ICD 10 code for fatty liver depends on the provider’s diagnosis, the current ICD-10-CM classification, and the documentation supporting the submitted claim. K76.0 includes fatty liver within its classification, while K75.81 identifies NASH. Alcohol-related liver disease requires a separate coding consideration.
Healthcare practices can reduce the possibility of coding errors by reviewing documentation, analyzing the official code selection instructions, and confirming that the documentation supports the chosen code. A practice should also consider each payer’s requirements when coding and submitting claims.
If documentation errors and claim submission mistakes affect a practice’s revenue cycle, working with a top medical billing company in Minnesota can help address billing workflow challenges and support more consistent claim management. Minnesota Billing Services helps practices to simplify the medical billing process and apply the correct codes and documentation guidelines.
Ready to identify and address your practice’s claim submission issues? Contact Minnesota Billing Services to request a consultation about your practice’s medical coding and billing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD 10 code for fatty liver?
K76.0 is the ICD-10-CM code for fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified. This category includes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) when the supporting documentation and coding instructions are met.
What is the NAFLD ICD 10 code?
K76.0 is the ICD-10-CM code used for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) under the current classification.
What is the ICD 10 code for NASH?
The ICD-10-CM code for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is K75.81. When reviewing a patient’s records, always make sure to differentiate between NASH and other fatty liver conditions covered by K76.0.
Is K76.0 the same as K75.81?
No, K76.0 and K75.81 represent different ICD-10-CM categories. K76.0 includes fatty liver, NAFLD, and MASLD, while K75.81 is for NASH. Always make sure to examine the provider’s diagnosis and the full set of instructions for each code before selecting a code for a claim.
Can fatty liver coding errors lead to claim denials?
Claim denial and improper reimbursements are possible with the wrong code selection and documentation. Always ensure that the coder has selected the most appropriate code based on the provider’s documentation and instructions and that the documentation supports the service billed to the payer.