ICD-10 Code B19.21 – Unspecified viral hepatitis C with hepatic coma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B19.21 – Unspecified viral hepatitis C with hepatic coma
What it is
This code identifies unspecified viral hepatitis C complicated by hepatic coma. Use it when the record documents hepatitis C with coma caused by liver failure, but the specific viral hepatitis type is not further detailed.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Hepatic coma usually reflects severe hepatic encephalopathy with altered mental status, confusion, or unresponsiveness in the setting of advanced liver dysfunction.
When to use this code
Use B19.21 when the provider documents viral hepatitis C and hepatic coma, and no more specific hepatitis C code is available. It may apply on admission, during an inpatient stay, or at discharge when coma is clearly attributed to liver disease.
Check documentation if the chart only notes encephalopathy, liver failure, or hepatitis without coma. Code the documented condition exactly and confirm the causal link between hepatitis C and the coma.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hepatitis C without coma, or for coma from non-hepatic causes. If the record does not support hepatic coma, choose the documented diagnosis instead.
Coding tip
Verify that “hepatic coma” is explicitly documented before assigning B19.21.