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ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis C Positive Antibody(B18.2, Z11.59)

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

Also known as:

HCV Antibody PositiveHepatitis C Antibody Reactive

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis C Positive Antibody

B15-B19Primary Range

Viral hepatitis

This range includes all forms of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis C.

Persons encountering health services for examination and investigation

This range includes codes for screening and examination for viral hepatitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B18.2Chronic viral hepatitis CUse when chronic hepatitis C is confirmed by RNA testing.
  • Positive HCV RNA test
  • Elevated ALT/AST levels
  • Fibrosis or cirrhosis on imaging or biopsy
Z11.59Encounter for screening for other viral diseasesUse for asymptomatic screening encounters.
  • Screening in asymptomatic individuals

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 positive antibody

Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis C Positive Antibody

Hepatitis C positive antibody is coded as B18.2 for chronic cases confirmed by RNA testing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis c positive antibody

Chronic viral hepatitis C
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed chronic hepatitis C with positive RNA test

Applicable To

  • Chronic hepatitis C

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive HCV RNA test
  • Elevated ALT/AST levels
  • Fibrosis or cirrhosis on imaging or biopsy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding acute cases as chronic

Coding Notes

  • Ensure RNA confirmation before using B18.2.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases

Z86.18
Use for patients with resolved HCV and no active liver disease.

Differential Codes

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

Acute hepatitis C without hepatic coma

B17.10
Use for acute cases with infection duration less than 6 months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis C Positive Antibody to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B18.2.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical status, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify acute or chronic status, Include RNA test results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use B17.10 for acute cases.

Impact

Coding chronic hepatitis C without RNA confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require RNA test documentation before coding.

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 Positive Antibody, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hepatitis C Positive Antibody

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

Chronic Hepatitis C Management

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • HCV RNA test results
  • Liver function tests
  • Fibrosis staging

Example Documentation

Patient diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, RNA level 1,200,000 IU/mL, ALT 85 IU/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hepatitis C positive.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic hepatitis C confirmed by RNA PCR, ALT 85 IU/L.
Explanation
The good example specifies chronicity and includes RNA confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hepatitis C Positive Antibody? Ask your questions below.

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