ICD-10 Code K72.91 – Hepatic Failure, Unspecified with Coma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K72.91 – Hepatic failure, unspecified with coma
What it is
K72.91 identifies hepatic failure when the liver cannot maintain normal function and coma is present, but the cause is not further specified. Use it for documented liver failure with coma when no more specific code is supported.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include altered mental status progressing to coma in the setting of severe liver dysfunction. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for encephalopathy, jaundice, or other signs of hepatic failure.
When to use this code
Use K72.91 when the record clearly states hepatic failure with coma and does not identify a more specific etiology or subtype. It may apply during inpatient care, emergency treatment, or transfer notes when coma is attributed to liver failure. Check documentation if the chart only mentions encephalopathy or liver disease without coma.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hepatic failure without coma or for coma from another cause. If the documentation specifies acute, chronic, or other liver failure, choose the more specific code instead.
Coding tip
Confirm that coma is explicitly documented and linked to hepatic failure before assigning K72.91.