K73.9
BillableChronic hepatitis, unspecified
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 65 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.472V24HCC 29 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.245ESRDHCC 29 — Chronic Hepatitis
0.000What This Code Means
Long-term inflammation of the liver where the specific type or pattern is not specified or documented.
Coding Tips
- •This is a non-specific code; query the provider for more detailed classification if possible
- •Review pathology reports or clinical notes to determine if a more specific K73 code applies
Clinical Significance
Chronic hepatitis unspecified represents long-term liver inflammation without documented specificity, indicating need for further evaluation and ongoing monitoring. While less specific than other chronic hepatitis codes, it still carries significant risk adjustment value due to the chronic nature of liver disease.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of hepatitis persisting longer than 6 months
- ✓Elevated liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- ✓Clinical evidence of chronic liver inflammation
- ✓Absence of specific hepatitis type documentation
- ✓Exclusion of acute hepatitis causes
- ✓Evidence of hepatocellular injury
- ✓Physical examination findings consistent with chronic liver disease
- ✓Imaging or biopsy showing chronic hepatic changes
Commonly Confused Codes
K73.2 — Chronic active hepatitis when active inflammation is documentedK73.8 — Other chronic hepatitis when specific type is known but doesn't fit other categoriesK76.9 — Liver disease unspecified for non-inflammatory conditionsB18.9 — Chronic viral hepatitis unspecified when viral cause suspectedK72.90 — Hepatic failure unspecified for acute presentations
Code Hierarchy
└K73Chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified└K73.9Chronic hepatitis, unspecified
└K73.9Chronic hepatitis, unspecified