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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB17.8

B17.8

Other acute viral hepatitis, other specified types

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B17.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acute viral hepatitis, other specified types.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B17.8 refers to acute viral hepatitis caused by viruses other than the more commonly known types A, B, C, D, and E. This category encompasses a variety of viral infections that can lead to liver inflammation and damage. The clinical presentation may include symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Transmission routes for these viruses can vary, including fecal-oral transmission, bloodborne routes, or through sexual contact, depending on the specific virus involved. Management of acute viral hepatitis typically focuses on supportive care, monitoring liver function, and preventing complications. Chronic management may be necessary if the acute infection leads to chronic liver disease, which can result in serious complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the specific type of virus involved is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viruses that can cause acute hepatitis, requiring specific identification.
  • Differentiation from chronic hepatitis codes.
  • Potential overlap with other liver disease codes.
  • Need for precise documentation of laboratory results and clinical findings.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific virus type.
  • Failure to document symptoms and clinical findings.
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic hepatitis.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for chronic management.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed liver function tests, imaging studies, and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with jaundice and elevated liver enzymes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate identification of the viral type and any co-infections.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Laboratory confirmation of viral hepatitis type and patient exposure history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Outbreak investigations or patients with atypical presentations.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of travel history and potential exposure to different viral strains.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B17.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, B17
  • 8 should be used when the specific type of acute viral hepatitis is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B17.8 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where the specific viral type is known and classified under other codes

Related CPT Codes

86704CPT Code

Hepatitis A antibody test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm hepatitis A infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Gastroenterology may require additional liver function tests.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral hepatitis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and management strategies. B17.8 provides a distinct code for less common viral hepatitis types, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment approaches.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral hepatitis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and management strategies. B17.8 provides a distinct code for less common viral hepatitis types, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment approaches.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Hepatitis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Hepatitis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acute viral hepatitis coded as B17.8?

B17.8 includes acute viral hepatitis caused by viruses such as hepatitis E, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus, among others.

How can I differentiate between acute and chronic hepatitis?

Acute hepatitis typically presents with sudden onset of symptoms and is diagnosed based on clinical presentation and serological tests, while chronic hepatitis is characterized by persistent liver inflammation lasting more than six months.