Hepatic failure, unspecified with coma

This code signifies a severe and undiagnosed deterioration of liver function, leading to the liver's inability to perform its essential metabolic and synthetic functions. This failure is accompanied by a state of unconsciousness, indicating significant neurological impairment due to the accumulation of toxins. The specific cause of the hepatic failure remains unknown or unrecorded.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with clear signs and symptoms of liver failure, including encephalopathy manifesting as coma, but the underlying etiology of the liver dysfunction has not been determined or documented. It should be used in cases where the medical record explicitly states "hepatic failure with coma" without further specification of the type of hepatic failure (e.g., acute, chronic, subacute).

• Only use this code when the type of hepatic failure is truly unspecified in the medical record.
• Always attempt to query the provider for a more specific diagnosis of hepatic failure if possible (e.g., acute, chronic, subacute).
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the presence of coma in conjunction with the hepatic failure.