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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase(B18.2, B18.2U, K70.10)

Learn about the ICD-10 coding for elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), including documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:
Elevated ASTIncreased AST levelsHigh AST
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase

R00-R99Primary Range

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified

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Key Information

Essential facts and insights aboutElevated Aspartate Aminotransferase

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes
Elevated liver enzyme
R74.01Billable
Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Alcoholic liver diseaseK70.10

Use when AST:ALT ratio >2 and alcohol use is documented.

Chronic viral hepatitis CB18.2

Use when hepatitis C is confirmed by PCR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase.

Failing to document exclusion of known causes

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough documentation of all tests and exclusions., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Using R74.01 when a definitive diagnosis exists

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG and reimbursement if used incorrectly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation

Use the specific diagnosis code as primary and R74.01 only if necessary to highlight enzyme elevation.

Incorrect primary code selection

Impact

Using R74.01 as primary when a specific diagnosis exists.

Mitigation

Regular training on code selection and documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions