Toxic liver disease, unspecified

This code signifies liver damage or dysfunction resulting from exposure to a toxic substance, where the specific agent or type of toxic liver disease is not documented. It represents a broad category of chemically induced hepatic injury without further etiological or pathological detail.

Apply this code when medical record documentation confirms a diagnosis of toxic liver disease but lacks specificity regarding the causative toxin or the precise manifestation (e.g., toxic hepatitis, toxic cirrhosis). It is appropriate when the provider has not identified the specific drug, chemical, or environmental agent responsible for the liver damage.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific toxic liver disease code (e.g., K71.1 for toxic hepatic necrosis) can be assigned based on documentation.
• Always query the provider for greater specificity regarding the causative agent and the type of liver injury if possible.
• Consider sequencing this code after codes for the specific toxic substance if known and documented as the primary reason for the encounter.