Alcoholic fatty liver

This code signifies the presence of steatosis (fatty infiltration) in the liver, directly attributed to chronic or excessive alcohol consumption. It represents the earliest and often reversible stage of alcoholic liver disease, characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of fatty liver and explicitly links it to alcohol abuse or dependence. Supporting documentation should include a history of significant alcohol intake and liver imaging or biopsy findings consistent with steatosis.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "alcoholic" fatty liver; otherwise, consider non-alcoholic fatty liver disease codes.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it's a co-morbidity.
• Do not confuse with other forms of fatty liver disease (e.g., non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) unless alcohol is the confirmed etiology.