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ICD-10 Coding for Herpes(B00.0, A60.0)

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

Also known as:

Herpes SimplexHerpes ZosterHSVShingles

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Herpes

B00-B09Primary Range

Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

This range includes herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections, which are the primary focus for herpes-related conditions.

Anogenital herpesviral infections

This range specifically addresses genital herpes, a common manifestation of herpes simplex virus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B00.0Herpesviral vesicular dermatitisUse when vesicular lesions are confirmed to be caused by herpes simplex virus.
  • Presence of vesicular lesions
  • Positive HSV PCR or culture
A60.0Anogenital herpesviral infectionUse for confirmed cases of genital herpes.
  • Genital lesions
  • Positive HSV-2 PCR

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 herpes

Essential facts and insights about Herpes

The ICD-10 code for herpes varies by type: B00.0 for vesicular dermatitis and A60.0 for genital herpes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for herpes

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Vesicular lesions with positive HSV test

Applicable To

  • Herpes simplex dermatitis
  • Herpes simplex skin infection

Excludes

  • Herpes zoster (B02.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of vesicular lesions
  • Positive HSV PCR or culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by lab tests

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site and type of herpes infection.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use to document fever associated with herpes infection.

Encounter for immunization

Z23
Use when immunization is given to prevent herpes complications.

Differential Codes

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

Zoster encephalitis

B02.0
Presence of neurological symptoms and positive VZV PCR.

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis

B00.1
Non-genital vesicular lesions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Herpes to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B00.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit findings., Financial: May result in claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the exact location of lesions., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the site and type of herpes infection.

Impact

High audit risk when using codes like B00.9 without specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Herpes

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

Genital herpes outbreak

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 32F c/o painful genital ulcers x3 days, dysuria. Last outbreak 6 months ago. **Exam**: 2-mm vesicles on labia, tender inguinal lymphadenopathy. **Labs**: HSV-2 PCR positive. **Assessment**: Recurrent herpesviral vulvovaginitis (A60.04). **Plan**: Valacyclovir 500mg BID x5d, STI counseling.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has herpes.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent grouped vesicles on penile shaft; HSV-1 IgM 1.3 (ref: <1.1).
Explanation
The good example provides specific site, type, and lab confirmation, improving coding accuracy.

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

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

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