Chronic viral hepatitis (B18) ICD-10-CM
The B18 code range covers chronic viral hepatitis with 6 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 5 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- Carrier of viral hepatitis
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code, if applicable, for ascites R18.8
Codes in the B18 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the B18 range.
Cryoglobulinemia
A condition characterized by the presence of abnormal quantities of CRYOGLOBULINS in the blood. Upon cold exposure, these abnormal proteins precipitate into the microvasculature leading to restricted blood flow in the exposed areas.
Cryoglobulins
Abnormal immunoglobulins, especially IGG or IGM, that precipitate spontaneously when SERUM is cooled below 37 degrees Celsius. It is characteristic of CRYOGLOBULINEMIA.
About the B18 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes B18 through B18.9 classify various forms of chronic viral hepatitis, a long-lasting infection of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses. These codes help specifically identify and differentiate types of chronic hepatitis B, C, and other viral forms, including details about co-infections like the delta agent.
These codes are used to document ongoing liver infections that persist beyond the acute stage. For example, B18.0 describes chronic hepatitis B with the delta agent (also known as hepatitis D), while B18.1 covers chronic hepatitis B without delta. The synonyms associated with B18.1—such as "hepatic coma due to viral hepatitis B" or "chronic aggressive viral hepatitis"—clarify its use for chronic active infections and even pregnancy complications. B18.2 refers to chronic hepatitis C, with many related terms like "chronic hepatitis C with stage fibrosis" or “hepatic coma due to chronic hepatitis C,” helping guide coders when more specific viral genotypes or complications are present. Other viral types and mixed infections fall under B18.8, while B18.9 is reserved for unspecified chronic viral hepatitis. Understanding this range ensures precise coding for long-term viral liver diseases using the ICD-10 code for chronic viral hepatitis.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the B18 range?
Of the 6 codes in this range, 5 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the B18 range classify?
The range classifies chronic viral hepatitis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
