ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis A(B15.9, B15.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hepatitis A. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis A
B15-B19Primary Range
Viral hepatitis
This range includes all types of viral hepatitis, with B15 specifically for Hepatitis A.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B15.9 | Acute hepatitis A without hepatic coma | Use when diagnosing acute hepatitis A without hepatic coma. |
|
| B15.0 | Acute hepatitis A with hepatic coma | Use when diagnosing acute hepatitis A with hepatic coma. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute hepatitis A
Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis A
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis apical
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Positive IgM anti-HAV test
documentation Criteria
- Documented absence of hepatic coma
Applicable To
- Acute hepatitis A
Excludes
- Chronic hepatitis A
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive IgM anti-HAV
- Elevated ALT/AST levels
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic hepatitis
Coding Notes
- Ensure serologic confirmation with IgM anti-HAV.
B15.0 - Acute hepatitis A with hepatic coma
Use when diagnosing acute hepatitis A with hepatic coma.
Applicable To
- Acute hepatitis A with hepatic coma
Excludes
- Chronic hepatitis A
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive IgM anti-HAV
- Symptoms of hepatic coma
Coding Notes
Document hepatic coma symptoms clearly.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis A to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B15.9.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure IgM anti-HAV testing is ordered and documented.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records affecting data quality.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and confirm with IgM anti-HAV.
Impact
High risk of audit if serologic confirmation is missing.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all acute hepatitis A cases have documented IgM anti-HAV results.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Hepatitis A, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hepatitis A
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hepatitis A. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Hepatitis A
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Lab results
- Symptoms
- IgM anti-HAV
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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