ICD-10 Code K70.11 – Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K70.11 – Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites
What it is
K70.11 identifies alcoholic hepatitis when ascites is also documented. It tells you the liver inflammation is due to alcohol use and that fluid has collected in the abdomen.
Clinical signs
Common findings include jaundice, abdominal pain or tenderness, and signs of liver disease. Ascites may cause abdominal distention; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K70.11 when the provider documents alcoholic hepatitis and specifically notes ascites. The record should support both the alcoholic liver disease diagnosis and the presence of ascites. If ascites is not documented, or another cause is stated, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for alcoholic hepatitis without ascites, or for ascites from nonalcoholic causes. If the chart only says liver disease or cirrhosis without alcoholic hepatitis, this code is not appropriate.
Coding tip
Code K70.11 only when both conditions are clearly documented together; verify whether the ascites is linked to the alcoholic hepatitis in the provider note.