ICD-10 Code K73.9 – Chronic hepatitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K73.9 – Chronic hepatitis, unspecified
What it is
K73.9 identifies chronic inflammation of the liver when the specific cause is not documented. Use it for a long-lasting hepatitis diagnosis that remains unspecified in the record.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Chronic hepatitis may be found on history, exam, imaging, or liver testing, with persistent liver inflammation noted over time.
When to use this code
Use K73.9 when the provider documents chronic hepatitis but does not name a cause such as viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced disease. It also fits when the chart confirms chronic hepatitis and the etiology is still under evaluation. Code the documented condition as written.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the record specifies a more precise chronic hepatitis type, such as chronic viral hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis. Check documentation when hepatitis is acute or when another liver disorder is the primary diagnosis.
Coding tip
Query for the cause before defaulting to K73.9, because a documented etiology usually requires a more specific code.