Viral hepatitis
ICD-10 Codes (28)
B16B16.0B16.1B16.2B16.9B17B17.0B17.1B17.10B17.11B17.2B17.8B17.9B18B18.0B18.1B18.2B18.8B18.9B19B19.0B19.1B19.10B19.11B19.2B19.20B19.21B19.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for B15-B19 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range B15-B19 pertains to Viral Hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These codes are used to classify the type of viral hepatitis, the presence of any associated complications, and the patient's current disease state. The codes in this range are crucial for tracking the incidence and prevalence of these diseases and are used in epidemiological studies, health management, and clinical practice.
Key Usage Points:
- •B15 codes are used for Hepatitis A with and without hepatic coma.
- •B16 codes are for Hepatitis B, further classified by severity and presence of hepatic coma.
- •B17 codes are for other acute viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis C and E.
- •B18 codes are for chronic viral hepatitis, including B and C.
- •B19 codes are for unspecified viral hepatitis, used when the type is not documented.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with acute Hepatitis A without hepatic coma, use B15.0.
- ✓For a patient with acute Hepatitis B with delta-agent and hepatic coma, use B16.1.
- ✓Use B17.1 for a patient diagnosed with acute Hepatitis C.
- ✓For a patient with chronic viral Hepatitis C, use B18.2.
- ✓When the type of viral hepatitis is not specified, use B19.9.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Do not use B15-B19 codes for patients with autoimmune or toxic hepatitis.
- ✗These codes should not be used for neonatal hepatitis.
- ✗Do not use these codes for patients with Hepatitis A or E if it has become chronic, as these are acute conditions.
- ✗Avoid using these codes for conditions classified under K70-K77 (diseases of liver).
- ✗Do not use B19.9 if the type of hepatitis can be determined.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's clinical documentation to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for viral hepatitis should include the type of hepatitis, the acute or chronic nature of the condition, and any associated complications. The patient's current disease state should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
- •Acute or chronic nature of the condition
- •Presence of hepatic coma
- •Presence of delta-agent (for Hepatitis B)
- •Current disease state
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports confirming diagnosis
- •Clinical notes detailing symptoms and disease progression
- •Imaging reports if applicable
- •Treatment plans
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with acute Hepatitis B with delta-agent and hepatic coma. Lab reports confirm diagnosis. Treatment plan includes antiviral therapy.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with hepatitis. Treatment plan includes antiviral therapy.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of hepatitis
- ⚠Not documenting the acute or chronic nature of the condition
- ⚠Not documenting associated complications
- ⚠Not updating the patient's current disease state
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for viral hepatitis lies in the need to accurately identify the type of hepatitis, the acute or chronic nature of the condition, and any associated complications. The role of the delta-agent in Hepatitis B adds another layer of complexity. Additionally, coders must stay updated with changes in coding guidelines.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the type of hepatitis
- ▸Identifying the acute or chronic nature of the condition
- ▸Recognizing associated complications
- ▸Understanding the role of the delta-agent in Hepatitis B
- ▸Keeping updated with changes in coding guidelines
Specialty Focus
Viral hepatitis codes are primarily used by gastroenterologists, infectious disease specialists, and primary care physicians. They are also used by public health professionals for epidemiological studies.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presenting with jaundice and fatigue tests positive for Hepatitis A.
- • A patient with known chronic Hepatitis B presents with hepatic coma.
- • A patient with a history of IV drug use is diagnosed with acute Hepatitis C.
- • A patient with non-specific symptoms tests positive for Hepatitis E.
- • A patient with known Hepatitis C presents with signs of chronic liver disease.
Resources & References
Resources for coding viral hepatitis include the official ICD-10-CM guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- CDC Viral Hepatitis Guidelines
- World Health Organization (WHO) Hepatitis Guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Practice Guidelines
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guidelines
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 Training
- AAPC ICD-10 Coding Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can B19.9 be used if the type of hepatitis is known but not documented?
No, B19.9 should only be used when the type of hepatitis is not known. If the type is known but not documented, query the provider for clarification.