Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viral hepatitis

This code signifies that an individual has had contact with someone diagnosed with viral hepatitis or is suspected of having been exposed to the virus. It indicates a potential risk of infection without confirmed disease in the patient. This code is used when the patient themselves does not have an active viral hepatitis infection.

Apply this code when a patient presents for evaluation following known exposure to a person with viral hepatitis, such as a household contact or healthcare worker with a needle stick injury. It is also appropriate for individuals undergoing screening due to suspected exposure, prior to a definitive diagnosis.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when the patient is being evaluated for potential exposure.
• Do not use this code if the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of viral hepatitis; instead, code the specific type of hepatitis.
• Consider additional codes for symptoms or reasons for encounter, such as Z11.59 for encounter for screening for other viral diseases, if applicable.