What is the criteria for Chronic (Non – Viral) Hepatitis i.e. ICD 9 code 571.40?
A. Coding Clinic, 1993 Q4, indicates that this code is used when there is a diagnostic statement of “active chronic hepatitis”. The indication that it is active seems to be important, since most hepatitis caused by medications often resolves when the medication is stopped. When possible, the physician should be queried for more information if the only statement is “chronic hepatitis” since the cause of the hepatitis (medications, alcohol, viral) is important in correct code assignment.
