Alcoholic hepatitis without ascites

This code identifies inflammation of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption, specifically when there is no accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. It signifies acute or chronic liver damage directly attributable to alcohol, without the complication of ascites.

Apply this code for patients diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis where clinical documentation explicitly states the absence of ascites. This typically occurs in the earlier stages of alcoholic liver disease or in cases where ascites has been ruled out. Documentation should clearly link liver inflammation to alcohol use and confirm no ascites.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without ascites" or "no ascites" to support this specific code.
• Do not use this code if ascites is present; instead, refer to codes for alcoholic hepatitis with ascites.
• Consider sequencing this code after codes for alcohol dependence if applicable, to fully capture the patient's condition.