Toxic liver disease w chronic active hepatitis w/o ascites

This code signifies liver damage and inflammation resulting from exposure to a toxic substance, specifically manifesting as chronic active hepatitis without fluid accumulation in the abdomen. The liver's ongoing inflammatory response indicates persistent injury, distinct from acute or resolving forms of toxic liver disease.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of chronic active hepatitis directly attributed to a toxic agent (e.g., medication, chemical, herbal supplement) and explicitly states the absence of ascites. Supporting documentation should include a history of exposure to a hepatotoxic substance, liver biopsy findings consistent with chronic active hepatitis, and imaging or clinical notes confirming no ascites.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic active hepatitis" and not just "chronic hepatitis" or "acute hepatitis."
• Always look for explicit mention of the absence of ascites; if ascites is present, a different code from the K71.5 series would be more appropriate.
• Code first the underlying toxic agent (e.g., T36-T65 with appropriate fifth or sixth character) if known and applicable, following ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for adverse effects or poisoning.