The K75.81 Diagnosis Code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, K75.81 is used to classify and code cases of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). This code is essential for medical billing, electronic health records, and tracking the prevalence of this significant liver condition.
What is ICD-10-CM Code K75.81?
Within the broader category of “Other inflammatory liver diseases” (K75) in the ICD-10-CM, K75.81 distinctly identifies Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It’s a billable and specific code, meaning it’s detailed enough to be used for reimbursement purposes and accurately represents a particular medical diagnosis. The code’s specificity is crucial for healthcare providers and insurance companies to correctly process claims and understand patient conditions. The K75.81 code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the adoption of ICD-10-CM, and the 2025 edition remains unchanged from previous years, affirming its established place in the diagnostic coding system.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Explained
NASH is a condition characterized by fatty accumulation in the liver, accompanied by inflammation and liver cell damage, in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. It is a more severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and can progress to serious complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. Understanding NASH is vital because it is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
The clinical information associated with K75.81 highlights that NASH involves “fatty replacement and damage to the hepatocytes not related to alcohol use.” This distinction from alcohol-related liver disease is fundamental to the diagnosis and appropriate coding. The potential progression of NASH to cirrhosis and liver failure underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management, making the accurate application of the K75.81 code in medical records all the more critical.
Importance of Accurate K75.81 Coding
The ICD-10-CM system employs specific conventions to ensure accurate and comprehensive coding. Notably, the “use additional code” instruction associated with certain underlying conditions and the “code first” note for manifestation codes are relevant in the context of liver diseases and related conditions. These instructions guide coders to sequence codes correctly, with the etiology (underlying cause) typically preceding the manifestation (symptom or complication). While K75.81 itself is a specific diagnosis code, understanding these coding conventions is crucial for complex cases involving NASH and related comorbidities.
Synonyms and Related Terms for K75.81
To enhance understanding and searchability, several terms are closely associated with the K75.81 diagnosis code:
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (the official name)
- Steatohepatitis (broader term, but often used synonymously in the context of NASH)
- Steatohepatitis (fatty inflammation of liver) (descriptive and clarifies the condition)
These synonyms are helpful for healthcare professionals and those researching this condition to ensure they are accessing the correct information related to the K75.81 diagnosis code.
Code History and Updates
The K75.81 code is not a recent addition. It was established in 2016, marking the first year of the non-draft ICD-10-CM, effective from October 1, 2015. Since its introduction, the code has remained stable, with no changes through the 2025 edition. This stability indicates the code’s acceptance and consistent use in the medical coding and billing landscape for NASH diagnosis.
Conclusion
In summary, the K75.81 diagnosis code is the designated ICD-10-CM code for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). It is a billable, specific code essential for accurate medical documentation, billing processes, and epidemiological tracking of NASH. Understanding the meaning and application of K75.81 is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with this increasingly prevalent liver condition. Accurate coding with K75.81 ensures proper communication in healthcare settings and facilitates effective management of NASH.
