ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis C(B18.2, B17.10, Z11.59)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hepatitis C. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis C
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18.2 | Chronic viral hepatitis C | Use when chronic hepatitis C is confirmed with lab tests. |
|
| B17.10 | Acute hepatitis C | Use for acute cases with recent onset of symptoms. |
|
| Z11.59 | Encounter for screening for other viral diseases | Use for routine screening encounters. |
|
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 chronic hepatitis C
Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis C
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis c
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months
documentation Criteria
- Document chronicity and any liver complications
Applicable To
- Chronic hepatitis C
Excludes
- Acute hepatitis C (B17.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months
- Elevated ALT levels
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as acute hepatitis C
Coding Notes
- Ensure chronicity is documented with lab results.
B17.10 - Acute hepatitis C
Use for acute cases with recent onset of symptoms.
Applicable To
- Acute hepatitis C
Excludes
- Chronic hepatitis C (B18.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive IgM anti-HCV
- Symptoms present for less than 6 months
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports acute onset.
Z11.59 - Encounter for screening for other viral diseases
Use for routine screening encounters.
Applicable To
- Screening for hepatitis C
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Asymptomatic patient with risk factors
Coding Notes
Ensure patient is asymptomatic and screening is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Unspecified cirrhosis of liver
K74.60Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis C to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B18.2.
Impact
Clinical: Misclassification of hepatitis C status, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are included in documentation, Verify chronicity before coding
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure chronicity is confirmed with lab results before using B18.2.
Impact
Risk of audit if chronicity is not properly documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all lab results confirming chronicity are included in patient records.
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 C, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hepatitis C
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hepatitis C. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic hepatitis C management
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- Chronicity confirmation
- Current treatment regimen
- Complications
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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