Ascites ICD-10-CM Codes

Ascites ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the ascites ICD-10-CM codes that you can use through this guide.

By Matt Olivares on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

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What ICD codes are used for ascites?

When addressing ascites, it's essential to be familiar with the specific ascites ICD codes for accurate clinical documentation and billing. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, commonly due to liver disease. Here are some widely used ICD codes related to ascites:

  • R18.8 - Other ascites: This code represents ascites unrelated to liver disease or other conditions.
  • K70.31 - Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver with ascites: This code is used when ascites is a complication of alcoholic cirrhosis.
  • K70.11 - Alcoholic hepatitis with ascites: This code is used when the patient is confirmed to have alcoholic cirrhosis of liver accompanied by ascites.
  • K71.51 - Toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis with ascites: This code is used when the patient is confirmed to have toxic liver disease accompanied by chronic active hepatitis and ascites.
  • R18.0 - Malignant ascites: This code is meant to be used if the patient is confirmed to have malignant ascites.

Using the correct codes ensures that patients receive the appropriate care and that healthcare providers are reimbursed accurately.

Which ascites ICD codes are billable?

All the ICD codes mentioned for ascites are typically billable as they represent specific medical conditions that require intervention. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure accurate billing and prevent potential discrepancies.

Clinical information

Ascites can lead to discomfort and complications if not treated. Here's what clinicians and patients should be aware of:

  • Ascites are often a sign of significant liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
  • Symptoms include abdominal swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath, and pain.
  • Causes can include liver disease, heart failure, cancer, or infections.
  • Treatment often involves diuretics, a low-sodium diet, and sometimes procedures to remove the fluid.
  • Regular monitoring and addressing the underlying cause are essential to managing the condition.

Synonyms include

  • Abdominal dropsy
  • Fluid in the abdomen
  • Peritoneal fluid accumulation
  • Abdominal swelling due to fluid
  • Peritoneal cavity fluid
  • Peritoneal effusion
  • Abnormal clinical findings pointing to ascites
  • Ascites in alcoholic hepatitis
  • Diseases classified under liver problems with ascites
  • Alcoholic fibrosis accompanied by ascites
  • Laboratory findings showing ascites

Popular search terms for ascites ICD-10-CM codes

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Commonly asked questions

The most common cause of ascites is liver cirrhosis. Other causes include heart failure, kidney disease, cancer, and infections such as tuberculosis.

Ascites are diagnosed through a physical examination, imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan, and sometimes a procedure called paracentesis, where a fluid sample is taken for analysis.

The treatment of ascites focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Managing the liver condition can help reduce or eliminate ascites in cases of liver disease. In some cases, repeated drainage or other interventions may be needed.

Related ICDs

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