Toxic liver disease w chronic active hepatitis with ascites

This code signifies liver damage caused by exposure to toxins, specifically manifesting as chronic active hepatitis, a severe and persistent inflammation of the liver. A key feature of this condition is the presence of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of toxic liver disease with ongoing, active inflammation (chronic active hepatitis) and the patient presents with ascites. This diagnosis typically follows exposure to hepatotoxic substances (e.g., certain drugs, chemicals, or herbal remedies) and subsequent liver biopsy or imaging confirming chronic inflammation and fluid retention.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the liver disease to a toxic exposure and specifies "chronic active hepatitis."
• Do not use if the hepatitis is acute or if ascites is not present; consider other K71 subcategories.
• Code the specific toxic agent (e.g., drug, chemical) using an external cause code (T36-T65) as a secondary diagnosis, if known and documented.