ICD-10 Code K72.1 – Chronic hepatic failure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K72.1 – Chronic hepatic failure
What it is
K72.1 identifies chronic hepatic failure, meaning long-standing loss of liver function. Use it when documentation shows persistent hepatic insufficiency rather than a brief or acute episode.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings may include jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, or other signs of chronic liver dysfunction.
When to use this code
Use K72.1 when the provider documents chronic hepatic failure, chronic liver failure, or decompensated liver disease with ongoing hepatic insufficiency. It may also apply when the record clearly links failure to chronic liver disease. Check documentation if the note only says cirrhosis or hepatitis without failure.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute hepatic failure or unspecified liver disease without failure. If the chart does not clearly state chronic failure, code the documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Verify that “chronic” or equivalent wording appears in the provider’s assessment before assigning K72.1.