R18
⚠ Non-billable
Ascites
ICD-10-CM · FY2026 · Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings
Code
R18
System
ICD-10-CM
Billable
No — use specific code
Effective
FY2026
Chapter
Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings
Source
CMS / CDC NCHS
⚠ Verify before billing. Confirm against the current CMS/NCHS ICD-10-CM files and your payer's rules before claims submission.
Official coding notes
From CMS's ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Includes
- fluid in peritoneal cavity
Excludes1 — never code together
- ascites in alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.31)
- ascites in alcoholic hepatitis (K70.11)
- ascites in toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis (K71.51)
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10 code R18?
ICD-10-CM code R18 represents Ascites. It is a non-billable header code requiring a more specific subcategory in the Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings chapter, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Is R18 billable?
No. R18 is a non-billable header. Select a more specific subcategory for claims submission.
What chapter is R18 in?
R18 belongs to the Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings chapter (R00–R99) of ICD-10-CM.
Related codes in the R18 category
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