ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis C Antibody Positive(B17.1, B19.2, Z22.52)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hepatitis C Antibody Positive. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis C Antibody Positive
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B17.1 | Acute hepatitis C | Use for acute HCV infection confirmed by RNA and clinical symptoms. |
|
| B19.2 | Chronic viral hepatitis C | Use for chronic HCV infection confirmed by duration and fibrosis. |
|
| Z22.52 | Carrier of viral hepatitis C | Use for resolved HCV infection with no active viremia. |
|
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 hepatitis C antibody positive
Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis C Antibody Positive
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis c antibody positive
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and positive HCV RNA
Applicable To
- Acute HCV infection
Excludes
- Chronic hepatitis C (B19.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCV RNA positive
- ALT >200 IU/L
- Symptom onset within 6 months
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic if duration not confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure acute status is documented with lab results.
B19.2 - Chronic viral hepatitis C
Use for chronic HCV infection confirmed by duration and fibrosis.
Applicable To
- Chronic HCV infection
Excludes
- Acute hepatitis C (B17.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCV RNA positive for >6 months
- Fibrosis staging
Coding Notes
Document chronicity with lab and imaging results.
Z22.52 - Carrier of viral hepatitis C
Use for resolved HCV infection with no active viremia.
Applicable To
- Resolved HCV infection
Excludes
- Active HCV infection (B17.1, B19.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCV antibody positive
- HCV RNA negative
Coding Notes
Ensure RNA negativity is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis C Antibody Positive to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B17.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure RNA results are documented before coding., Implement checklist for HCV documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify chronicity with lab results and duration of infection.
Impact
Risk of coding errors due to incomplete documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular audits and provider education on documentation standards.
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 Antibody Positive, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hepatitis C Antibody Positive
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hepatitis C Antibody Positive. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of HCV
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- HCV antibody test result
- HCV RNA test result
- Patient symptoms
- Risk factors
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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