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ICD-10 Coding for Herpes Simplex(B00.1, A60.04)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Herpes Simplex. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HSVCold SoresGenital Herpes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Herpes Simplex

B00.0-B00.9Primary Range

Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections

This range covers various manifestations of herpes simplex infections, including vesicular dermatitis, meningitis, and unspecified forms.

Anogenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections

This range is specific to anogenital herpes infections, including vulvovaginitis and perianal herpes.

Congenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infection

This code is used for congenital herpes infections, which are excluded from the B00 range.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B00.1Herpesviral vesicular dermatitisUse for facial/oral lesions with vesicular rash confirmed by PCR/viral culture.
  • Vesicular rash confirmed by PCR or viral culture
A60.04Herpesviral vulvovaginitisUse for genital herpes with vaginal involvement confirmed by culture.
  • Genital lesions confirmed by HSV-2 culture

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for oral herpes

Essential facts and insights about Herpes Simplex

The ICD-10 code for oral herpes is B00.1, covering herpesviral vesicular dermatitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for herpes simplex

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vesicular rash on lips with positive HSV-1 PCR

Applicable To

  • Cold sores
  • Herpes labialis

Excludes

  • Congenital herpesviral infection (P35.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Vesicular rash confirmed by PCR or viral culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if location is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the anatomical site and confirms HSV type.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

HSV screening

Z11.3
Use with asymptomatic testing.

HSV complicating pregnancy

O98.31x
Use as a secondary code for perinatal cases.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Non-herpetic dermatitis

L30.3
Use if viral testing is negative for HSV.

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis

B00.1
Use B00.1 for facial/oral lesions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Herpes Simplex to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B00.1.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for HSV type, Educate providers on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for clinical research.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the specific location and type of HSV to use a more specific code.

Impact

High risk of audit for using unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of lesion location and HSV type.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Herpes Simplex, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Herpes Simplex

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Herpes Simplex. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Recurrent oral herpes

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Lesion location
  • Lesion characteristics
  • Testing results

Example Documentation

Location: Left upper lip. Lesion Characteristics: 3-mm grouped vesicles on erythematous base. Testing: HSV-1 PCR positive.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has herpes.
Good Documentation Example
Clustered vesicles on vermilion border with prodromal tingling; HSV-1 PCR positive from lesion swab.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, lesion characteristics, and test results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Herpes Simplex? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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