Alcoholic fibrosis and sclerosis of liver

This code signifies chronic liver damage characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue and hardening (sclerosis) due to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. This condition represents a more advanced stage of alcoholic liver disease, indicating significant structural changes within the liver that impair its function.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of liver fibrosis or sclerosis directly attributed to alcohol use. This diagnosis is typically supported by liver biopsy findings, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT, MRI), and a patient history of chronic alcohol abuse.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the fibrosis/sclerosis to alcohol consumption; otherwise, a non-alcoholic etiology code may be more appropriate.
• Do not confuse this with alcoholic fatty liver (K70.0) or alcoholic hepatitis (K70.1), which represent earlier stages of alcoholic liver disease.
• Code any associated complications, such as ascites (R18.8) or esophageal varices (I85.00), separately and sequence them according to the primary reason for the encounter.