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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB18.0

B18.0

Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 B18.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis b with delta-agent.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent is a severe form of hepatitis caused by the co-infection of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis D virus (HDV). This condition is characterized by ongoing inflammation of the liver, which can lead to significant liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The delta agent, or hepatitis D virus, requires the presence of HBV for its replication, making co-infection particularly concerning. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Chronic infection can lead to long-term complications, including liver failure and increased risk of liver cancer. Management typically involves antiviral therapy, regular monitoring of liver function, and screening for liver cancer. The complexity of managing chronic hepatitis B with delta-agent lies in the need for comprehensive care, including vaccination against hepatitis A and B, lifestyle modifications, and potential liver transplantation in advanced cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Co-infection with hepatitis D complicates treatment and management.
  • Requires ongoing monitoring for liver function and cancer risk.
  • Involves multiple specialties for comprehensive care.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the presence of both HBV and HDV.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of co-infection status.
  • Failure to document liver function tests and monitoring.
  • Misclassification of hepatitis type.
  • Lack of evidence for chronicity in medical records.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of liver disease, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of chronic hepatitis, monitoring for liver cancer, and treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of liver disease and any complications.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

History of exposure, vaccination status, and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of viral load, treatment initiation, and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Document co-infections and any antiviral therapy adjustments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B18.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the chronic nature of the condition and the presence of the delta agent
  • Include relevant lab results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B18.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86803CPT Code

Hepatitis B virus serology

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis B infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Gastroenterology may require additional tests for liver function.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic hepatitis conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. B18.0 provides a clear distinction for chronic cases with delta co-infection, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic hepatitis conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. B18.0 provides a clear distinction for chronic cases with delta co-infection, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. B18.0 provides a clear distinction for chronic cases with delta co-infection, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Hepatitis B Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Hepatitis B Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the delta agent in hepatitis B?

The delta agent (hepatitis D virus) complicates hepatitis B infection, leading to more severe liver disease and a higher risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.