ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Viral Hepatitis C(B18.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Viral Hepatitis C. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Viral Hepatitis C
B15-B19Primary Range
Viral hepatitis
This range includes all types of viral hepatitis, with B18.2 specifically for chronic hepatitis C.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic viral hepatitis C
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Viral Hepatitis C
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic viral hepatitis c
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- HCV RNA positive for more than 6 months
documentation Criteria
- Include fibrosis staging in documentation
Applicable To
- Chronic hepatitis C
Excludes
- Acute hepatitis C (B17.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive HCV RNA >6 months
- Elevated ALT/AST
- Fibrosis staging (e.g., FIB-4 >3.25)
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusing acute vs. chronic hepatitis C
- Omitting fibrosis staging documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure chronicity is documented with lab results showing persistent infection.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Cirrhosis of liver, unspecified
K74.60Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic 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: Inadequate assessment of liver damage., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use EHR templates that prompt for fibrosis staging.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Confirm chronicity with >6 months of positive HCV RNA.
Impact
Lack of documentation for chronic infection.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields in EHR for chronicity confirmation.
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 Chronic Viral Hepatitis C, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Viral Hepatitis C
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Viral Hepatitis C. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic HCV Management
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- HCV RNA levels
- Fibrosis staging
- Genotype testing results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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