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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Hepatitis B(B18.1, B18.2, B18.9)

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

Also known as:

Hepatitis B ChronicChronic HBV Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Hepatitis B

B18.0-B18.9Primary Range

Chronic viral hepatitis

This range includes codes for chronic hepatitis B, with or without delta-agent, and unspecified chronic viral hepatitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B18.1Chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agentUse when chronic hepatitis B is confirmed without delta-agent involvement.
  • HBsAg positive for more than 6 months
  • Negative anti-HDV test
B18.2Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agentUse when chronic hepatitis B is confirmed with delta-agent involvement.
  • HBsAg positive for more than 6 months
  • Positive anti-HDV test
B18.9Chronic viral hepatitis, unspecifiedUse when chronic hepatitis is documented but specific type is not identified.
  • Chronic hepatitis without specific type documentation

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 B

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Hepatitis B

The ICD-10 code for chronic hepatitis B without delta-agent is B18.1, and with delta-agent is B18.2.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis brother chronic

Chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agent
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • HBsAg positive for over 6 months and negative anti-HDV

Applicable To

  • Chronic hepatitis B without delta-agent

Excludes

  • Acute hepatitis B (B16.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • HBsAg positive for more than 6 months
  • Negative anti-HDV test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as carrier status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and absence of delta-agent.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified cirrhosis of liver

K74.60
Use when liver fibrosis or cirrhosis is documented.

Hepatic failure, unspecified

K72.90
Use when hepatic failure is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Acute hepatitis B without delta-agent and without hepatic coma

B16.9
Acute presentation with recent HBsAg positivity.

Acute hepatitis B with delta-agent

B16.0
Acute presentation with delta-agent involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Hepatitis B to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B18.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of hepatitis type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure anti-HDV testing is documented., Clarify delta-agent status in records.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B18.1 for chronic infection instead of Z22.52.

Impact

Lack of documentation for delta-agent involvement.

Mitigation Strategy

Require anti-HDV test results 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 Chronic Hepatitis B, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Hepatitis B

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

Chronic Hepatitis B without Delta-Agent

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • HBsAg positive status
  • Negative anti-HDV test
  • Liver function test results

Example Documentation

Patient has chronic hepatitis B confirmed by HBsAg positivity for 8 months. Anti-HDV test negative. ALT levels elevated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hepatitis B.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has chronic hepatitis B confirmed by HBsAg positivity for 8 months. Anti-HDV test negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details confirming chronicity and absence of delta-agent.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Hepatitis B? Ask your questions below.

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