Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can present as an acute (short-term) illness, coded B17.1 in ICD-10, or progress to chronic (long-term) infection, coded B18.2 after six months. Early diagnosis and treatment help protect your liver health.
Many people don't notice symptoms at first. When signs do appear, they may include:
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Common causes include:
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The ICD-10 code for acute hepatitis C infection is B17.1, and for chronic hepatitis C infection (lasting more than six months) it is B18.2.
Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly via sharing needles or syringes, contaminated medical equipment, or blood transfusions performed before 1992.
Use code B17.1 for an acute hepatitis C infection and code B18.2 for a chronic hepatitis C infection that persists beyond six months.
Chronic hepatitis C is diagnosed when the infection lasts longer than six months. The corresponding ICD-10 code for chronic cases is B18.2.
Hepatitis B is more easily transmitted through sexual contact and perinatal exposure, while hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact.
Women with hepatitis C may experience fatigue, irregular menstrual periods, joint pain, as well as the general symptoms seen in all patients, such as jaundice and abdominal discomfort.
Prevention includes avoiding the sharing of needles or syringes, ensuring all medical and tattoo equipment is sterile, practicing safe sex, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
Support your liver health by resting, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and following your healthcare provider's recommendations for medication and monitoring.
GastroDoxs offers experienced gastroenterologists in Houston who specialize in liver health and hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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