K72.9
⚠ Non-billable (Header)Hepatic failure, unspecified
Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
⚠️ This is a category header code — not billable. Use a more specific child code below.
❌ Excludes1
inheritedRules inherited from parent codes in the hierarchy.
- • alcoholic hepatic failure (K70.4)
- • hepatic failure with toxic liver disease (K71.1-)
- • icterus of newborn (P55-P59)
- • postprocedural hepatic failure (K91.82)
⚠️ Excludes2
inheritedRules inherited from parent codes.
- • hepatic failure complicating abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy (O00-O07, O08.8)
- • hepatic failure complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O26.6-)
- • viral hepatitis with hepatic coma (B15-B19)
📋 Code Instructions
inherited- • code, if applicable, for ascites (R18.8)
Child Codes (2)
Clinical Description
ICD-10-CM code K72.9 represents hepatic failure, unspecified. This code falls under the Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95) classification. It is a non-billable category header code. A more specific child code from the list below must be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.
This is a 5-character code at the 4th level of specificity. There are 2 more specific child codes under K72.9. Coders should note that K72.9 has 4 Excludes1 restriction(s) — codes that cannot be reported together on the same claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICD-10 code K72.9?
ICD-10-CM code K72.9 is "Hepatic failure, unspecified". It belongs to the category: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).
Is K72.9 a billable ICD-10 code?
No, K72.9 is a non-billable header code. A more specific child code must be used for billing.
What codes are excluded with K72.9?
K72.9 has 4 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.
Can K72.9 be coded with other codes?
K72.9 has 3 Excludes2 note(s). These conditions can be coded together if both are documented in the patient record.
Related Codes in K72
Other codes in the same category that may be relevant for differential coding:
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Data Source
CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List
Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)