Chronic hepatitis, unspecified

This code represents a persistent inflammatory condition of the liver that has lasted for at least six months, where the specific cause or type of chronic hepatitis has not been identified or documented. It indicates ongoing liver damage without further etiological specification.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "chronic hepatitis" but lacks information regarding its etiology (e.g., viral, autoimmune, drug-induced, alcoholic). This code is appropriate when the provider has not specified the type of chronic hepatitis, or when diagnostic workup is incomplete or inconclusive.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of chronic hepatitis (e.g., viral hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis) is documented.
• Always query the provider for clarification if the type of chronic hepatitis is suspected but not explicitly stated.
• Consider sequencing this code after any associated complications, such as cirrhosis (K74.-) or hepatic failure (K72.-), if applicable.