Fatty (change of) liver, not elsewhere classified

This code signifies the presence of fat accumulation within the liver cells, often referred to as hepatic steatosis, when the specific cause is not otherwise classified. It represents a broad category of fatty liver that is not attributed to alcohol or other specific liver diseases.

Use this code for documented cases of fatty liver where the physician explicitly states "fatty liver, not otherwise specified," "hepatic steatosis," or "fatty change of liver" without further specification of etiology. This applies when alcohol is ruled out as the cause and there is no mention of inflammation or hepatocellular injury.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as K75.81 is the more specific code.
• Always review the medical record for any mention of the cause of the fatty liver (e.g., alcohol, specific metabolic conditions) to ensure the most specific code is chosen.
• If the documentation indicates inflammation or liver cell damage in addition to fat, consider codes for steatohepatitis.