Is ICD-10-CM code K70 billable?

No, K70 (Alcoholic liver disease) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code K70 belong to?

K70 belongs to Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: K00–K95 (Diseases of the Digestive System).

K70Not billable, use a more specific code below

Alcoholic liver disease

In Diseases of liver (K70-K77), chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System

9 billable codes under K70: 1 is an MCC; 6 map to HCC 63 (Chronic Liver Failure/End-Stage Liver Disorders), HCC 64 (Cirrhosis of Liver), HCC 65 (Chronic Hepatitis).A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment. An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

Instructional notes

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Also applies, from Diseases of liver (K70-K77)

These notes sit on K70-K77 and apply to every code under it, including K70.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

jaundice NOS (R17)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

hemochromatosis (E83.11-)
Reye's syndrome (G93.7)
viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
Wilson's disease (E83.01)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 11 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.11 (page 58)

All codes under K70

K70 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

K70 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under K70 group to MS-DRG 432, 433, 434, 441, 442, or 443 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 432 Cirrhosis and Alcoholic Hepatitis with MCC (8 of 9 codes)
DRG 433 Cirrhosis and Alcoholic Hepatitis with CC (8 of 9 codes)
DRG 434 Cirrhosis and Alcoholic Hepatitis without CC/MCC (8 of 9 codes)
DRG 441 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with MCC (1 of 9 codes)
DRG 442 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with CC (1 of 9 codes)
DRG 443 Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis without CC/MCC (1 of 9 codes)

Other codes that refer to K70

Notes on these codes point to K70.

K71 Excludes2: alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)
K76 Excludes2: alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)
K77 Excludes1: alcoholic liver disease (K70.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

For most adults, moderate alcohol use is probably not harmful. Your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) depends on how much, how often, and how quickly you drink alcohol. Alcohol misuse means that drinking causes distress and harm. Over time alcohol misuse can increase your risk of AUD.

Liver Diseases

Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver diseases:

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.