Hepatic fibrosis, unspecified

This code represents the presence of hepatic fibrosis without further specification of its type or cause. Hepatic fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. It indicates a stage of liver damage where scar tissue has begun to form.

Use this code when documentation confirms hepatic fibrosis but does not specify the type (e.g., alcoholic, primary biliary, postnecrotic) or the stage of fibrosis. This is appropriate when the provider's diagnosis is simply "hepatic fibrosis" without additional details. It is often used as an interim diagnosis or when a more specific etiology is still under investigation.

• Do not use this code if a more specific type of hepatic fibrosis is documented (e.g., K74.01 for alcoholic hepatic fibrosis).
• Always review the medical record for any mention of the underlying cause or specific type of fibrosis to ensure the most precise code is selected.
• This code should be sequenced as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-existing condition.