What is the ICD-10-CM code for ascites?

The primary ICD-10-CM code for ascites is R18.8 (Other ascites). There are 7 billable ascites codes in FY2027, covering different types and underlying causes.

How many ICD-10-CM codes are there for ascites?

There are 8 ICD-10-CM codes for ascites in the FY2027 tabular list, of which 7 are billable. These codes fall under Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM classification.

Which chapter covers ascites in ICD-10-CM?

Ascites codes are classified in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

Ascites ICD-10-CM codes

ICD-10-CM codes for ascites (fluid in the abdomen), including malignant ascites and ascites in alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis.

8 codes, 7 billable. FY2027, valid from October 1, 2026. In chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings.

How to code Ascites

R18.8 is other ascites and is the default when ascites has no combination code. Malignant ascites is R18.0, with the primary malignancy coded first. For ascites from other causes, such as nonalcoholic cirrhosis or heart failure, report R18.8 after the underlying condition.

Some conditions include ascites in a combination code, and R18 is then not reported: alcoholic cirrhosis with ascites K70.31, alcoholic hepatitis with ascites K70.11, and toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis with ascites K71.51. Chylous ascites is I89.8.

All Ascites codes

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