ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis C Cirrhosis(B18.2, K74.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hepatitis C Cirrhosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis C Cirrhosis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18.2 | Chronic viral hepatitis C | Use when chronic hepatitis C is confirmed by lab tests and/or biopsy. |
|
| K74.6 | Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liver | Use when cirrhosis is confirmed by imaging or lab findings. |
|
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 cirrhosis
Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis C Cirrhosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis c cirrhosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Chronic hepatitis C confirmed by positive HCV RNA and liver biopsy.
Applicable To
- Chronic hepatitis C
Excludes
- Acute hepatitis C (B17.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HCV RNA detectable
- Fibrosis stage F3/F4
- Liver biopsy confirming chronic hepatitis
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as acute hepatitis C
Coding Notes
- Ensure chronicity is documented in the medical record.
K74.6 - Other and unspecified cirrhosis of liver
Use when cirrhosis is confirmed by imaging or lab findings.
Applicable To
- Cirrhosis of liver
Excludes
- Alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing nodular liver
- Platelet count <150,000/μL
- Albumin <3.5 g/dL
Coding Notes
Document the underlying cause of cirrhosis if known.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis C Cirrhosis 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 disease severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include fibrosis stage in patient records.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Use B17.1 for acute hepatitis C.
Impact
Failure to document chronicity of hepatitis C can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all records specify chronic hepatitis C with supporting 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 C Cirrhosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hepatitis C Cirrhosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hepatitis C Cirrhosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Hepatitis C with Cirrhosis
Specialty: HepatologyRequired Elements
- HCV RNA levels
- Fibrosis stage
- Cirrhosis complications
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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