R18.8

Other ascites

Billable code

This code does not map to a risk-adjusting HCC in the loaded models.

Coding notes

Excludes 1 never coded together · Excludes 2 may co-exist

This code · R18.8

Synonyms

Ascites NOS Peritoneal effusion (chronic)

Inherited from R18Ascites

Includes

fluid in peritoneal cavity

Excludes 1

ascites in alcoholic cirrhosis (K70.31) ascites in alcoholic hepatitis (K70.11) ascites in toxic liver disease with chronic active hepatitis (K71.51)

Inherited from R10-R19Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Excludes 2

congenital or infantile pylorospasm (Q40.0) gastrointestinal hemorrhage (K92.0-K92.2) intestinal obstruction (K56.-) newborn gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P54.0-P54.3) newborn intestinal obstruction (P76.-) pylorospasm (K31.3) signs and symptoms involving the urinary system (R30-R39) symptoms referable to female genital organs (N94.-) symptoms referable to male genital organs (N48-N50)

Inherited from chapter 18Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified

Excludes 2

abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-) certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96) signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Official Guidelines for R18.8

FY 2026 ›

I.C.18Chapter-specific guidanceChapter 18: Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

Subsections

Sections that reference R18.8

Sections whose FY 2026 text names R18.8, its R18 category, or a range containing it — the chapter guidance above is the authoritative source.

Find R18.8 in the alphabetic index

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