2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K72Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified
K72 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K72.00, K72.01, K72.10, and K72.11.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classifiedOverview
Non-specific codes like K72 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
K72.0 for Acute and subacute hepatic failure
Use K72.00 for Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma
Use K72.01 for Acute and subacute hepatic failure with coma
K72.1 for Chronic hepatic failure
Use K72.10 for Chronic hepatic failure without coma
Use K72.11 for Chronic hepatic failure with coma
K72.9 for Hepatic failure, unspecified
Use K72.90 for Hepatic failure, unspecified without coma
Use K72.91 for Hepatic failure, unspecified with coma
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- fulminant hepatitis NEC, with hepatic failure
- liver (cell) necrosis with hepatic failure
- malignant hepatitis NEC, with hepatic failure
- yellow liver atrophy or dystrophy
Use Additional Code
- code, if applicable, for ascites R18.8
Type 1 Excludes
- alcoholic hepatic failure K70.4
- hepatic failure with toxic liver disease K71.1
- icterus of newborn P55 P59
- postprocedural hepatic failure K91.82
Type 2 Excludes
- hepatic failure complicating abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy O00 O07 O08.8
- hepatic failure complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium O26.6
- viral hepatitis with hepatic coma B15 B19
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Patient EducationClinical
Liver Diseases
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Code HistoryHistory
Questions About K72Overview
Is K72 (Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified need a more specific code from this category, such as K72.00, K72.01, and K72.10.
