ICD-10 Code B19.1 – Unspecified Viral Hepatitis B (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B19.1 – Unspecified viral hepatitis B
What it is
This code identifies viral hepatitis B when the record does not specify acute, chronic, or another defined form. Use it for documented hepatitis B infection that remains nonspecific.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have hepatitis symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or abnormal liver tests, but the chart must support hepatitis B without further detail.
When to use this code
Use B19.1 when the provider documents “unspecified viral hepatitis B” or simply “hepatitis B” without clarifying the type. It also fits when the note confirms hepatitis B infection but does not distinguish acute, chronic, or carrier status.
Do not guess a more specific code from labs or history alone. If the record later clarifies the form of hepatitis B, update coding to the documented diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hepatitis B with a specified acute, chronic, or carrier diagnosis. Check documentation if the record instead describes another hepatitis type or a screening encounter.
Coding tip
Query the provider when hepatitis B is documented but the acuity or subtype is unclear.