ICD-10 Code K70.4 – Alcoholic hepatic failure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K70.4 – Alcoholic hepatic failure
What it is
K70.4 identifies hepatic failure caused by alcohol-related liver disease. Use it when documentation links liver failure directly to alcohol injury.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include jaundice, confusion, ascites, bleeding tendency, or other signs of severe liver dysfunction.
When to use this code
Use K70.4 when the provider documents alcoholic hepatic failure, alcoholic liver failure, or liver failure due to alcohol-related disease. It fits inpatient and outpatient records when the causal link to alcohol is clear. Check documentation if the record only states cirrhosis or hepatitis without failure.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for liver failure from nonalcoholic causes or for alcohol use without hepatic failure. If the diagnosis is unspecified, code the documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider explicitly connects hepatic failure to alcohol before assigning K70.4.