ICD-10 Code B18.2 – Chronic viral hepatitis C (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B18.2 – Chronic viral hepatitis C
What it is
B18.2 identifies chronic infection with hepatitis C virus affecting the liver. Use it when the record documents ongoing, long-term hepatitis C rather than an acute infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have no symptoms or show fatigue, abnormal liver tests, or evidence of chronic liver disease.
When to use this code
Use B18.2 when the provider documents chronic hepatitis C, chronic HCV infection, or persistent hepatitis C. It also fits follow-up visits for known chronic infection, including evaluation of liver disease related to HCV.
Assign this code when hepatitis C is confirmed as chronic in the chart, even if the current visit is for monitoring. Check documentation if the record does not clearly distinguish acute from chronic infection.
Do not use for
Do not use B18.2 for acute hepatitis C or for a history of hepatitis C without current infection. Check documentation if the note only says “hepatitis” without specifying chronic viral hepatitis C.
Coding tip
Look for the word “chronic” or equivalent provider wording before assigning B18.2.