Unspecified viral hepatitis B with hepatic coma

This code signifies an acute or chronic hepatitis B infection where the specific type (e.g., acute, chronic, without delta agent) is not documented, and the patient has developed hepatic coma as a severe complication. Hepatic coma indicates profound liver failure leading to a loss of brain function.

Use this code when the medical record clearly indicates a diagnosis of viral hepatitis B and associated hepatic coma, but the specific acuity or chronicity of the hepatitis B is not specified. Documentation should explicitly state "hepatitis B" and "hepatic coma" without further detail regarding the hepatitis B type.

• Always attempt to clarify the acuity (acute vs. chronic) of the hepatitis B with the provider if not specified, as more specific codes exist.
• This code is a combination code; do not code hepatic coma separately.
• Ensure documentation supports the causal link between the viral hepatitis B and the hepatic coma.