ICD-10 Code K73.0 – Chronic persistent hepatitis, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K73.0 – Chronic persistent hepatitis, not elsewhere classified
What it is
K73.0 identifies chronic persistent hepatitis, a long-lasting liver inflammation that is not otherwise specified. Use it when the record describes persistent hepatitis without a more specific chronic liver disease diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Records may note ongoing hepatic inflammation, abnormal liver findings, or biopsy-confirmed persistent hepatitis, but you should code only what is clearly documented.
When to use this code
Use K73.0 when the clinician documents chronic persistent hepatitis and does not name another chronic hepatitis type or a more specific liver disorder. It also fits when the diagnosis is confirmed in the chart and no further subclassification is provided. If the note is vague, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, or chronic hepatitis with a different specified cause or type. If another chronic liver condition is documented, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Code the most specific hepatitis diagnosis documented, and query the provider if “persistent hepatitis” is mentioned without enough detail.