B18.1
BillableChronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agent
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 65 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.472V24HCC 29 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.245ESRDHCC 29 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.000RxHCCHCC 56 — Chronic Viral Hepatitis B and Other
0.000What This Code Means
A long-term hepatitis B infection without the delta virus, where the patient remains infected with hepatitis B virus.
Coding Tips
- •This is the most common chronic hepatitis B code when delta virus is not present
- •Document whether the patient is HBeAg positive or negative if available for clinical management
Clinical Significance
Chronic hepatitis B without delta-agent is the most common form of chronic hepatitis B, affecting approximately 250 million people worldwide. It carries risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, requiring long-term monitoring and potential antiviral therapy. Risk adjustment capture is essential for reflecting ongoing disease management needs.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for >6 months confirming chronicity
- ✓HBeAg status (positive or negative) documenting viral replication phase
- ✓Hepatitis B viral load (HBV DNA quantitative PCR)
- ✓Liver disease assessment: ALT levels, fibrosis staging, imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance
- ✓Delta virus testing performed and negative (confirming absence of coinfection)
Commonly Confused Codes
B18.0 (Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent) — Same hepatitis B but with delta virus coinfection; B18.1 specifically excludes deltaB16.9 (Acute hepatitis B without delta-agent and without hepatic coma) — Acute infection, not chronic; must document >6 months duration for chronicZ22.51 (Carrier of viral hepatitis B) — Carrier status without active disease; B18.1 indicates active chronic infection