K72.9 – Hepatic failure, unspecified

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Diseases of liver

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code K72.9
Code
K72.9 (claims format: K729)
Description
Hepatic failure, unspecified
Billable
No – use a more specific code below
Valid for
Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter
11. Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
Block
K70-K77 Diseases of liver
Parent codes
K72

Billable codes under K72.9

K72.9 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

K72 – Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified

Includes:
  • fulminant hepatitis NEC, with hepatic failure
  • liver (cell) necrosis with hepatic failure
  • malignant hepatitis NEC, with hepatic failure
  • yellow liver atrophy or dystrophy
Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • alcoholic hepatic failure (K70.4)
  • hepatic failure with toxic liver disease (K71.1-)
  • icterus of newborn (P55-P59)
  • postprocedural hepatic failure (K91.82)
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • hepatic failure complicating abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy (O00-O07, O08.8)
  • hepatic failure complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O26.6-)
  • viral hepatitis with hepatic coma (B15-B19)
Use additional code:
  • code, if applicable, for ascites (R18.8)

Block K70-K77

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • jaundice NOS (R17)
Excludes2 (not included here):

Related codes in K72

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code K72.9?

K72.9 is the ICD-10-CM code for hepatic failure, unspecified, in the block K70-K77 (Diseases of liver).

Is K72.9 a billable code?

No. K72.9 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does K72.9 belong to?

It belongs to category K72 – Hepatic failure, not elsewhere classified.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.