AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2011 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 & 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Hepatopulmonary Syndrome
Effective October 1, 2011, a new code (573.5) has been created to specifically identify hepatopulmonary syndrome. Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) occurs in people with existing liver disease which has advanced to the point that it affects their lungs, causing shortness of breath and hypoxemia. The dyspnea and hypoxemia are worse in the upright position. HPS is usually found in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. Prevalence estimates range from 5% to 32% of chronic liver disease patients. However, it may also occur with acute ischemic hepatitis and with noncirrhotic portal hypertension. HPS occurs in both pediatric and adult...
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Article Overview
This premium coding article reviews hepatopulmonary syndrome and the related diagnosis coding update effective October 1, 2011. It is useful for coders and billers working with liver disease, respiratory symptoms associated with hepatic conditions, and ICD-9-CM diagnosis reporting guidance. The article provides a clinical overview, identifies the relevant diagnosis category, and notes how the new code fits within the broader liver-disorder section.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate identification of this condition affects diagnosis reporting for patients with advanced liver disease and related respiratory findings. The article helps readers recognize the coding update and the broader liver disease context in which it appears.
Article Sections
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Clinical overview
Summarizes the condition, who it affects, and the broad clinical context in which it appears.
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Coding update and placement
Describes the introduction of the new diagnosis code, its effective date, and its location within the liver disorder category.
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Related underlying liver disease guidance
Notes that reporting is tied to the presence of an underlying liver disease and references examples within that broader diagnosis group.
What You Will Learn
- The general clinical context of hepatopulmonary syndrome
- That a new diagnosis code was introduced effective October 1, 2011
- How the condition is positioned within the broader liver disorder classification
- The relationship between this condition and underlying liver disease reporting
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Healthcare administrators
Codes Discussed
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