Biliary cirrhosis

This code represents chronic liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, inflammation, and ultimately fibrosis and cirrhosis. It can be primary (autoimmune) or secondary (due to obstruction).

Assign this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of biliary cirrhosis, regardless of whether it's primary or secondary. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing liver biopsy results, imaging findings, and clinical signs of cholestasis and liver dysfunction.

• Differentiate from other forms of cirrhosis (e.g., alcoholic, viral) which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.
• If the cause of secondary biliary cirrhosis is known (e.g., choledocholithiasis, stricture), code the underlying cause first.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "cirrhosis" and not just "cholestasis" or "biliary obstruction" to justify this code.