Elevated LFTs ICD 10 Code

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What are Elevated LFTs ICD 10 Code and What Do They Mean?

Elevated LFTs ICD 10 Code - ICD10-Coding

LFTs stand for Liver Function Tests. They are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of certain enzymes and substances in the blood that are related to the function of the liver. The liver is an organ that performs many vital functions in the body, such as filtering toxins, producing bile, storing glycogen, and metabolizing drugs and hormones.

Some of the common LFTs are:

– Alanine transaminase (ALT): an enzyme that is mainly found in the liver cells and is released into the blood when the liver is damaged or inflamed.

– Aspartate transaminase (AST): an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, heart, and muscles, and is also released into the blood when these tissues are damaged or inflamed.

– Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, bones, and intestines, and is involved in the breakdown of phosphate.

– Bilirubin: a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down and excreted by the liver into the bile.

– Albumin: a protein that is produced by the liver and helps maintain the fluid balance and transport substances in the blood.

– Prothrombin time (PT): a measure of how long it takes for the blood to clot, which depends on the production of clotting factors by the liver.

Elevated LFTs mean that one or more of these tests show higher than normal levels in the blood. This can indicate that there is some problem with the liver or other organs or tissues that affect these tests.

Elevated LFTs are medical findings that can be coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). ICD-10 is a system of codes that classify diseases and health problems for statistical and billing purposes. The ICD-10 code for Elevated LFTs is R94.5. This code belongs to the category of R94 – Abnormal results of function studies, which is part of the chapter of R00-R99 – Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified.

The ICD-10 code R94.5 can be used to indicate a finding of Elevated LFTs for reimbursement purposes. However, it is important to note that the code R94.5 does not specify which LFTs are elevated or what is the cause or severity of the elevation. Therefore, it is recommended to use additional codes or modifiers to provide more details about the finding. For example, some of the possible additional codes are:

Code	Description
R74.01	Elevation of levels of liver transaminase levels
R74.8	Abnormal levels of other serum enzymes
R79.0	Abnormal level of blood mineral
R79.89	Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
K70-K77	Diseases of the liver

These codes are examples only and may not apply to every case of Elevated LFTs. The choice of codes depends on the clinical documentation and coding guidelines.

Conclusion

Elevated LFTs are a finding that indicates higher than normal levels of certain enzymes and substances in the blood that are related to the function of the liver. The ICD-10 code for Elevated LFTs is R94.5, but it may need additional codes to provide more details about the finding. Elevated LFTs can be caused by various conditions that affect the liver or other organs or tissues. Elevated LFTs can be a sign of serious and potentially life-threatening liver problems that require prompt diagnosis and

FAQs

Q: What are LFTs and what do they measure?

A: LFTs stand for Liver Function Tests. They are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of certain enzymes and substances in the blood that are related to the function of the liver. Some of the common LFTs are ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, and PT.

Q: What does it mean to have Elevated LFTs?

A: Elevated LFTs mean that one or more of these tests show higher than normal levels in the blood. This can indicate that there is some problem with the liver or other organs or tissues that affect these tests.

Q: What are the causes of Elevated LFTs?

A: Elevated LFTs can be caused by various conditions that affect the liver or other organs or tissues. Some of the common causes are viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, gallstones, and hemochromatosis.

Q: How are Elevated LFTs diagnosed and treated?

A: Elevated LFTs are diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. Sometimes, additional tests such as imaging studies or liver biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause and severity of the elevation. The treatment of Elevated LFTs depends on the underlying cause and the degree of liver damage. The main goals of treatment are to treat the cause of Elevated LFTs, prevent further liver injury, and manage any complications.

Q: What is ICD-10 and why is it important?

A: ICD-10 stands for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. It is a system of codes that classify diseases and health problems for statistical and billing purposes. ICD-10 codes help to standardize the diagnosis and reporting of health conditions across different countries and settings. ICD-10 codes also help to facilitate research, quality improvement, and public health surveillance.