ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for hepatic failure
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Failure, failed › hepatic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding hepatic failure
The ICD-10-CM code for hepatic failure is K72.90 (Hepatic failure, unspecified without coma). The official index lists 16 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K72.90.
Within K72.9, choose K72.90 (without coma) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: with coma (K72.91).
Use an additional code, if applicable, for ascites (R18.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific hepatic failure codes (official index)
- with coma K72.91 — Hepatic failure, unspecified with coma
- acute or subacute K72.00 — Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma
- with coma K72.01 — Acute and subacute hepatic failure with coma
- due to drugs K71.10 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, without coma
- with coma K71.11 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, with coma
- alcoholic (acute) (chronic) (subacute) K70.40 — Alcoholic hepatic failure without coma
- with coma K70.41 — Alcoholic hepatic failure with coma
- chronic K72.10 — Chronic hepatic failure without coma
- with coma K72.11 — Chronic hepatic failure with coma
- due to drugs (acute) (subacute) (chronic) K71.10 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, without coma
- with coma K71.11 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, with coma
- due to drugs (acute) (subacute) (chronic) K71.10 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, without coma
- with coma K71.11 — Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, with coma
- end stage K72.10 — Chronic hepatic failure without coma
- with coma K72.11 — Chronic hepatic failure with coma
- postprocedural K91.82 — Postprocedural hepatic failure
Common questions about hepatic failure ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for hepatic failure?
- K72.90 — Hepatic failure, unspecified without coma. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K72.91, K72.00, K72.01, K71.10 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute or subacute hepatic failure?
- K72.00 — Acute and subacute hepatic failure without coma.
What is the ICD-10 code for alcoholic hepatic failure?
- K70.40 — Alcoholic hepatic failure without coma.
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic hepatic failure?
- K72.10 — Chronic hepatic failure without coma.
What is the ICD-10 code for end stage hepatic failure?
- K72.10 — Chronic hepatic failure without coma.
What is the ICD-10 code for postprocedural hepatic failure?
- K91.82 — Postprocedural hepatic failure.
Is K72.90 billable?
- Yes. K72.90 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K72.90 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K72.90 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K72.90 a CC or MCC?
- No. K72.90 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.