Chronic viral hepatitis C

This code signifies a persistent, long-term inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It indicates that the viral infection has progressed beyond the acute phase and is now chronic, potentially leading to progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C. This includes patients with ongoing viremia, elevated liver enzymes, or evidence of liver fibrosis attributed to HCV, even if asymptomatic. Supporting documentation includes lab results confirming HCV RNA presence for at least six months, liver biopsy findings, or physician's definitive diagnosis.

• Do not use this code for acute hepatitis C; use the appropriate B17 code.
• Always code any associated manifestations or complications of chronic hepatitis C, such as cirrhosis (K74.-) or hepatocellular carcinoma (C22.0), as secondary diagnoses.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" to differentiate from acute or unspecified hepatitis C.