Unspecified viral hepatitis without hepatic coma

This code signifies a diagnosis of viral hepatitis where the specific type of virus (e.g., A, B, C) has not been identified. It indicates inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection, without the presence of severe liver dysfunction leading to hepatic coma.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states viral hepatitis but lacks documentation of the specific viral etiology. This is appropriate when laboratory tests for specific hepatitis viruses are pending, inconclusive, or not performed, and there is no evidence of hepatic encephalopathy.

• Avoid using this code if the specific type of viral hepatitis is known or suspected; instead, code to the most specific viral hepatitis type (e.g., B16.9, B17.1).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unspecified" or lacks information regarding the specific viral agent.
• Do not use this code if hepatic coma is present; refer to codes within categories B15-B19 that include hepatic coma.