Unspecified viral hepatitis with hepatic coma

This code signifies a severe, acute liver failure caused by an unspecified viral hepatitis, leading to significant neurological impairment. The hepatic coma indicates a profound alteration in consciousness due to the liver's inability to detoxify the blood.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of viral hepatitis, but the specific viral agent (e.g., A, B, C) is not identified, and the patient has developed hepatic coma as a complication. This typically occurs in cases of fulminant hepatitis where rapid deterioration of liver function leads to encephalopathy.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "hepatic coma" or a similar term indicating severe encephalopathy.
• Do not use if the specific type of viral hepatitis is known; instead, code the specific viral hepatitis with hepatic coma.
• This code implies an acute presentation; chronic viral hepatitis with hepatic coma would typically be coded differently.