Is ICD-10-CM code B15 billable?

No, B15 (Acute hepatitis A) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code B15 belong to?

B15 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

B15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Acute hepatitis A

In Viral hepatitis (B15-B19), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

2 billable codes under B15: 1 is an MCC, 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Viral hepatitis (B15-B19)

These notes sit on B15-B19 and apply to every code under it, including B15.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

sequelae of viral hepatitis (B94.2)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

cytomegaloviral hepatitis (B25.1)
herpesviral [herpes simplex] hepatitis (B00.81)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding infections and parasitic diseases, including HIV, organism and drug resistance codes, sepsis and septic shock, MRSA, Zika, and COVID-19.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections (page 19)
Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters (page 22)
Infections resistant to antibiotics (page 22)
Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock (page 23)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Conditions (page 27)
Zika virus infections (page 28)
Coronavirus infections (page 28)

Read Section I.C.1 (page 19)

All codes under B15

B15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

B15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 2 billable codes under B15 group to MS-DRG 441, 442, or 443 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to B15

Notes on these codes point to B15.

K70-K77 Excludes2: viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
K72 Excludes2: viral hepatitis with hepatic coma (B15-B19)
K73 Excludes1: viral hepatitis (chronic) (B15-B19)
K74 Code Also: if applicable, viral hepatitis (acute) (chronic) (B15-B19)
K75.2 Excludes1: viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
K75.3 Excludes1: viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
K75.9 Excludes1: viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
M02 Code First: viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
O98.4 Includes: Conditions in B15-B19

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. It can damage your liver. This swelling and damage can affect how well your liver functions.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.