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ICD-10 Coding for Hepatitis Panel(B15.9, B16.1)

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

Also known as:

Hep PanelLiver Function Panel

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hepatitis Panel

B15-B19Primary Range

Viral hepatitis

This range includes all types of viral hepatitis codes, which are essential for coding hepatitis panel results.

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

These codes are used for abnormal liver function tests often associated with hepatitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B15.9Hepatitis A without hepatic comaUse when lab results confirm acute hepatitis A infection.
  • IgM anti-HAV positive
  • Elevated ALT levels
B16.1Acute hepatitis B with delta-agent (coinfection) without hepatic comaUse when acute HBV infection with delta-agent is confirmed.
  • HBsAg positive
  • IgM anti-HBc positive
  • Anti-HDV positive

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 panel

Essential facts and insights about Hepatitis Panel

The ICD-10 code for a hepatitis panel varies by type, such as B15.9 for Hepatitis A without coma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hepatitis panel

Hepatitis A without hepatic coma
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • IgM anti-HAV positive and elevated ALT

Applicable To

  • Acute hepatitis A without mention of hepatic coma

Excludes

  • Chronic hepatitis A (B18.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IgM anti-HAV positive
  • Elevated ALT levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if chronic hepatitis A is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute infection and excludes chronic conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Nonspecific elevation of levels of transaminase and lactic acid dehydrogenase [LDH]

R74.0
Use to document elevated liver enzymes alongside hepatitis diagnosis.

Unspecified jaundice

R17
Use to document jaundice symptoms associated with hepatitis.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic viral hepatitis A

B18.0
Chronic hepatitis A is confirmed by persistent infection over 6 months.

Acute hepatitis B without delta-agent and without hepatic coma

B16.9
Delta-agent must be confirmed for B16.1.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatitis Panel to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B15.9.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to improper treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation., Specify hepatitis type based on test results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results and clinical documentation specify the type of hepatitis.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified hepatitis codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes based on lab results and clinical documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Hepatitis Panel

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

Emergency Department Visit for Suspected Hepatitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Exposure history
  • Lab results
  • Physical examination findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with jaundice, elevated ALT, and positive IgM anti-HAV. Acute hepatitis A suspected.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with hepatitis. Order labs.
Good Documentation Example
45M c/o dark urine x3 days, RUQ tenderness. Scleral icterus present. Labs: ALT 480 U/L, AST 395 U/L. Ordered acute hepatitis panel (80074) including HAV IgM, HBcAb IgM, HBsAg, HCV Ab.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, lab results, and ordered tests, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

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

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