Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver

This code signifies end-stage liver disease characterized by irreversible scarring and impaired liver function, directly attributable to chronic alcohol abuse. It represents the severe, chronic form of alcoholic liver disease where normal liver tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue and regenerative nodules.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "alcoholic cirrhosis," "cirrhosis due to alcohol," or "cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism." This diagnosis is supported by a history of significant alcohol consumption, clinical signs of cirrhosis (e.g., ascites, jaundice, varices), and diagnostic imaging or biopsy findings consistent with cirrhosis.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the cirrhosis to alcohol consumption; otherwise, an unspecified cirrhosis code may be more appropriate.
• Do not confuse with alcoholic hepatitis (571.1) or fatty liver (571.0), which are earlier stages of alcoholic liver disease.
• Code any associated complications of cirrhosis, such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or esophageal varices, as additional diagnoses.