ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for chronic hepatitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Hepatitis › chronic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding chronic hepatitis
The ICD-10-CM code for chronic hepatitis is K73.9 (Chronic hepatitis, unspecified). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K73.9.
Within K73, choose K73.9 (Chronic hepatitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: chronic persistent hepatitis, not elsewhere classified (K73.0), chronic lobular hepatitis, not elsewhere classified (K73.1), chronic active hepatitis, not elsewhere classified (K73.2) and other chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified (K73.8).
Use an additional code, if applicable, for ascites (R18.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific chronic hepatitis codes (official index)
- active NEC K73.2 — Chronic active hepatitis, not elsewhere classified
- toxic
- lobular NEC K73.1 — Chronic lobular hepatitis, not elsewhere classified
- persistent NEC K73.0 — Chronic persistent hepatitis, not elsewhere classified
- specified NEC K73.8 — Other chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere classified
- toxic
- viral
Common questions about chronic hepatitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic hepatitis?
- K73.9 — Chronic hepatitis, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K73.2, K73.1, K73.0, K73.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for active nec chronic hepatitis?
- K73.2 — Chronic active hepatitis, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for lobular nec chronic hepatitis?
- K73.1 — Chronic lobular hepatitis, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for persistent nec chronic hepatitis?
- K73.0 — Chronic persistent hepatitis, not elsewhere classified.
Is K73.9 billable?
- Yes. K73.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K73.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K73.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K73.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. K73.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.