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ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis B(B16.0, B18.1)

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

Also known as:

HBVHep B

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis B

B16-B19Primary Range

Viral hepatitis

This range includes all forms of viral hepatitis, with specific codes for acute and chronic hepatitis B.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B16.0Acute hepatitis B with delta-agent and hepatic comaUse when acute hepatitis B is confirmed with delta-agent and hepatic coma.
  • IgM anti-HBc positive
  • HBsAg positive within 6 months
  • Presence of hepatic coma
B18.1Chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agentUse for chronic hepatitis B confirmed by laboratory tests.
  • HBsAg positive for more than 6 months
  • HBV DNA >2,000 IU/mL

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 Hepatitis B

The ICD-10 code for chronic hepatitis B without delta-agent is B18.1, used when HBsAg is positive for more than 6 months.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis brother

Acute hepatitis B with delta-agent and hepatic coma
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of delta-agent and hepatic coma

Applicable To

  • Acute hepatitis B with delta-agent
  • Hepatic coma

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IgM anti-HBc positive
  • HBsAg positive within 6 months
  • Presence of hepatic coma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as chronic hepatitis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies delta-agent and hepatic coma.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hepatitis B complicating pregnancy

O98.2-
Use when chronic hepatitis B affects pregnancy.

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
Absence of delta-agent and hepatic coma.

Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent

B18.0
Presence of delta-agent.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis B to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B16.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Verify lab results before coding, Review patient history for chronicity

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B18.1 if duration is over 6 months.

Impact

Incorrect coding of chronic hepatitis B as acute.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports chronic status with lab 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 B, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hepatitis B

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

Chronic hepatitis B management

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • HBsAg status
  • HBV DNA levels
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue. HBsAg positive for 8 months. HBV DNA: 15,000 IU/mL. Plan: Continue antiviral therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hepatitis B.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has chronic hepatitis B, HBsAg positive for 8 months.
Explanation
Specifies chronic status and duration, essential for accurate coding.

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

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