ICD-10 Code B19 – Unspecified Viral Hepatitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B19 – Unspecified viral hepatitis
What it is
B19 identifies viral hepatitis when the record does not specify the virus type or the exact form of hepatitis. Use it only when documentation confirms viral hepatitis but leaves the cause unspecified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, records may note jaundice, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or abnormal liver tests, but the chart must support viral hepatitis.
When to use this code
Use B19 when the provider documents viral hepatitis without naming hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, or another specified viral cause. It may also fit when the note says “viral hepatitis” and no further detail is available.
If the type is later clarified, code the specified hepatitis instead. Check documentation carefully so you do not code a nonviral liver disorder or an old history of hepatitis as an active diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use B19 for chronic viral hepatitis with a specified type, or for hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, toxins, or autoimmune disease. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Query the provider when “hepatitis” is documented without a viral cause or type, because B19 is appropriate only when viral hepatitis remains unspecified.