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ICD-10 Coding for Molluscum Contagiosum(B08.1)

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

Also known as:

MCWater warts

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Molluscum Contagiosum

B00-B09Primary Range

Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

This range includes molluscum contagiosum as a viral skin infection.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for molluscum contagiosum

Essential facts and insights about Molluscum Contagiosum

The ICD-10 code for molluscum contagiosum is B08.1, used for confirmed cases of this viral skin infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of umbilicated papules confirmed via lab tests

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed lesion count and location

Applicable To

  • Molluscum contagiosum

Excludes

  • Other viral warts (B07.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Confirmed via KOH prep showing Henderson-Paterson bodies
  • PCR positive for molluscum contagiosum virus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as other viral warts

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the number and location of lesions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Destruction of benign lesions, 1-14 lesions

17110
Use for treating 1-14 molluscum lesions.

Destruction of benign lesions, 15 or more lesions

17111
Use for treating 15 or more molluscum lesions.

Differential Codes

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

Viral wart, unspecified

B07.9
Molluscum contagiosum presents with umbilicated papules, unlike typical warts.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Molluscum Contagiosum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B08.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always count and document lesions., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with CPT guidelines., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of treatment data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 17110 or 17111 for molluscum lesions.

Impact

Improper use of modifier -59 can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports distinct procedural coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Molluscum Contagiosum

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

Pediatric case with multiple lesions

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Patient age and lesion history
  • Lesion count and location
  • Treatment method and outcome

Example Documentation

Patient is a 10-year-old with 20 molluscum lesions on the arms and legs, treated with cryotherapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Treated molluscum today.
Good Documentation Example
Destruction of 20 molluscum lesions via cryotherapy: 10 on left arm, 10 on right leg.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lesion count and treatment details.

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

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