Acute hepatitis C without hepatic coma

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, specifically when the patient has not developed hepatic encephalopathy or coma. It indicates a recent or new onset infection with HCV, characterized by elevated liver enzymes and often jaundice, fatigue, and nausea.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "acute hepatitis C" and explicitly denies the presence of hepatic coma. This is typically used for initial diagnoses of HCV infection where the acute phase is identified, often through serological testing for HCV RNA and antibodies.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" and explicitly rules out hepatic coma.
• Do not use if the patient has chronic hepatitis C; a different code is required for chronic forms.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for associated symptoms or complications, if documented and not integral to the acute hepatitis C itself.