K70.10
BillableAlcoholic hepatitis without ascites
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 65 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.472What This Code Means
Inflammation of the liver caused by alcohol consumption without fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Coding Tips
- •Ascites status must be documented; if ascites is present, use K70.11 instead
- •This code indicates active liver inflammation and carries a worse prognosis than simple fatty liver
Clinical Significance
Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites represents significant liver inflammation due to alcohol use, indicating substantial hepatic damage that requires immediate cessation of alcohol and medical management. This condition can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated, making it crucial for risk stratification and care coordination.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear documentation of alcoholic hepatitis diagnosis
- ✓Evidence of alcohol use as causative factor
- ✓Absence of ascites specifically documented
- ✓Laboratory findings consistent with hepatitis
- ✓Clinical signs of liver inflammation
- ✓Assessment of liver function status
- ✓Documentation of alcohol consumption history
- ✓Treatment plan addressing both hepatitis and alcohol use
Commonly Confused Codes
K70.11 — Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites requires fluid documentationK70.30 — Alcoholic cirrhosis represents advanced scarringK75.9 — Inflammatory liver disease without alcohol relationshipF10.20 — Alcohol use disorder should be coded separatelyK72.10 — Chronic hepatic failure represents end-stage disease
Code Hierarchy
└K70Alcoholic liver disease└K70.1Alcoholic hepatitis└K70.10Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites
└K70.10Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites