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ICD-10 Coding for Viral Hepatitis C(B18.2, B17.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Viral Hepatitis C. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hepatitis CHCV

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Viral Hepatitis C

B15-B19Primary Range

Viral Hepatitis

This range includes all forms of viral hepatitis, with specific codes for hepatitis C.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B18.2Chronic viral hepatitis CUse when chronic hepatitis C is confirmed with laboratory evidence of HCV RNA for more than 6 months.
  • HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months
  • Elevated ALT/AST levels
  • Fibrosis on liver biopsy
B17.1Acute hepatitis CUse when acute hepatitis C is confirmed with laboratory evidence of HCV RNA for less than 6 months.
  • HCV RNA positive for less than 6 months
  • ALT levels >5x upper limit of normal

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 Viral Hepatitis C

The ICD-10 code for chronic hepatitis C is B18.2, used when HCV RNA is positive for more than 6 months.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for viral hepatitis c

B18.2
Chronic viral hepatitis C
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'chronic' and any related conditions

Applicable To

  • Chronic hepatitis C

Excludes

  • Acute hepatitis C (B17.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months
  • Elevated ALT/AST levels
  • Fibrosis on liver biopsy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as acute hepatitis C

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and any associated conditions like cirrhosis.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver

K74.60
Use to indicate cirrhosis as a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute hepatitis C

B17.1
Use if HCV RNA is positive for less than 6 months with acute symptoms.

Chronic viral hepatitis C

B18.2
Use if HCV RNA is positive for more than 6 months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Viral 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: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Implement checklist for chronic hepatitis C documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect classification can lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and epidemiological data.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify duration of HCV RNA positivity and document chronicity if more than 6 months.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of chronic hepatitis C.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training and audits of documentation practices.

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 Viral Hepatitis C, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Viral Hepatitis C

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Viral Hepatitis C. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Hepatitis C Management

Specialty: Hepatology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis confirmation
  • HCV RNA levels
  • Liver function tests
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Chronic hepatitis C (B18.2) with genotype 1a, HCV RNA 2.3 million IU/mL, ALT 85 U/L. Patient started on glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HCV positive, follow up.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic hepatitis C (B18.2) with compensated cirrhosis (K74.60), genotype 1a, HCV RNA 2.3 million IU/mL, ALT 85 U/L. Patient declined DAA therapy due to insurance barriers.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the chronic nature, genotype, and treatment considerations.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Viral Hepatitis C? Ask your questions below.

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