ICD-10-CM Code B18.2: Chronic Viral Hepatitis C

ICD-10-CM code B18.2 is used to report chronic viral hepatitis C, a long-term infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Accurate use of this code is essential for proper clinical documentation, care planning, reimbursement, and population health tracking.

This guide explains what B18.2 means, when to use it, related ICD-10 codes, common coding mistakes, and best practices—making it a practical reference for coders, clinicians, and healthcare administrators.

What Is ICD-10-CM Code B18.2?

B18.2 identifies chronic hepatitis C, defined as the presence of the hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream for more than six months.

Healthcare providers and medical coders use this code when documentation confirms:

• A chronic (not acute) HCV infection
• Ongoing disease monitoring, treatment, or management

Important: B18.2 should not be confused with acute hepatitis C or unspecified hepatitis C codes.

Detailed Description of Chronic Viral Hepatitis C (B18.2)

Chronic hepatitis C is a progressive liver disease that develops when the body is unable to clear the hepatitis C virus after initial infection. Without treatment, chronic HCV can lead to serious complications, including:

• Liver fibrosis
• Cirrhosis
• Liver failure
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Thanks to modern antiviral therapies, many patients can now achieve sustained virologic response (SVR), significantly reducing long-term risks—making early diagnosis and accurate coding even more important.

Common Symptoms Associated With B18.2

Many patients with chronic hepatitis C are asymptomatic, especially in early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Joint or muscle pain

Because symptoms are often subtle, chronic hepatitis C is frequently identified through routine labs or screening, underscoring the importance of correct clinical documentation.

Related and Similar ICD-10-CM Codes

When coding hepatitis conditions, specificity matters. Codes related to B18.2 include:

ICD-10 Code	Description
B18.0	Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent
B18.1	Chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agent
B18.8	Other chronic viral hepatitis
B18.9	Chronic viral hepatitis, unspecified
B19.20	Unspecified viral hepatitis C without hepatic coma

Always select B18.2 when documentation clearly states chronic hepatitis C, rather than defaulting to unspecified codes.

Appropriate Usage and Coding Guidelines for B18.2

Use ICD-10-CM code B18.2 when:

• Provider documentation confirms chronic hepatitis C
• The condition affects patient care, treatment decisions, or monitoring during the encounter

Key Coding Notes

• Do not use B18.2 for acute hepatitis C
• Code cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma separately when documented
• The term “hepatitis C carrier” may also support use of B18.2, depending on documentation

Clear provider documentation is critical to support code selection and compliance.

Common Coding Pitfalls to Avoid

Even experienced coders can run into issues when reporting B18.2. Watch out for these frequent mistakes:

• Incorrect duration: Using B18.2 for acute hepatitis C cases
• Insufficient documentation: Missing confirmation that the condition is chronic
• Uncoded comorbidities: Failing to report cirrhosis or liver cancer when present
• Overuse of unspecified codes: Choosing B18.9 instead of B18.2 when details are available

Avoiding these pitfalls improves claim accuracy, audit readiness, and data quality.

Key Resources for Accurate B18.2 Coding

To stay compliant and current, rely on trusted industry resources:

• ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates and manuals
• AHIMA and AAPC education, certifications, and coding clinics
• ICD-10-CM codebooks and certified coding software

Regularly reviewing these resources helps ensure correct code assignment and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does ICD-10 code B18.2 stand for?

B18.2 represents chronic viral hepatitis C, a long-term hepatitis C virus infection lasting more than six months.

Can B18.2 be used for acute hepatitis C?

No. Acute hepatitis C requires a different ICD-10 code. B18.2 is only for chronic cases.

Should cirrhosis be coded with B18.2?

Yes. If cirrhosis or other liver complications are documented, they should be coded separately in addition to B18.2.

Is B18.2 considered a billable code?

Yes. B18.2 is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code for reimbursement and reporting.

When should unspecified hepatitis C codes be avoided?

Avoid unspecified codes when documentation clearly identifies chronic hepatitis C, as specificity improves accuracy and compliance.

Conclusion:

ICD-10-CM code B18.2 plays a critical role in documenting chronic hepatitis C, a condition with serious long-term health implications if left unmanaged. Proper coding supports:

• Accurate clinical records
• Effective treatment planning
• Reliable reimbursement
• Meaningful public health data

By understanding the definition, symptoms, related codes, and common pitfalls, healthcare professionals can confidently apply B18.2 and improve both patient outcomes and coding accuracy.