B50-B64
Medium Complexity
Protozoal diseases
Primary Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (68)
68 billable0 category headers
B51Billable
B51.0Billable
B51.8Billable
B51.9Billable
B52Billable
B52.0Billable
B52.8Billable
B52.9Billable
B53Billable
B53.0Billable
B53.1Billable
B53.8Billable
B54Billable
B55Billable
B55.0Billable
B55.1Billable
B55.2Billable
B55.9Billable
B56Billable
B56.0Billable
B56.1Billable
B56.9Billable
B57Billable
B57.0Billable
B57.1Billable
B57.2Billable
B57.3Billable
B57.30Billable
B57.31Billable
B57.32Billable
B57.39Billable
B57.4Billable
B57.40Billable
B57.41Billable
B57.42Billable
B57.49Billable
B57.5Billable
B58Billable
B58.0Billable
B58.00Billable
B58.01Billable
B58.09Billable
B58.1Billable
B58.2Billable
B58.3Billable
B58.8Billable
B58.81Billable
B58.82Billable
B58.83Billable
B58.89Billable
B58.9Billable
B59Billable
B60Billable
B60.0Billable
B60.00Billable
B60.01Billable
B60.02Billable
B60.03Billable
B60.09Billable
B60.1Billable
B60.10Billable
B60.11Billable
B60.12Billable
B60.13Billable
B60.19Billable
B60.2Billable
B60.8Billable
B64Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (1)
B08.62
Orf virus disease with complications
Revised Codes (2)
B00.9
Herpesviral infection, unspecified - updated to include HSV type specification when known
B08.5
Enteroviral vesicular pharyngitis - enhanced diagnostic specificity
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for B50-B64 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range B50-B64 is dedicated to protozoal diseases, which are infections caused by protozoa. These are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, and giardiasis. The codes in this range are used to classify and document these conditions in patient records, supporting accurate diagnosis, treatment, and billing processes.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code for the most specific diagnosis available in the patient's medical record.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •In cases of uncertainty, code the condition that is most related to the current clinical presentation.
- •For protozoal diseases that are not listed in this range, use the code for 'Other protozoal diseases' (B64).
- •Remember to use the decimal point as it can significantly alter the meaning of a code.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a protozoal disease such as malaria.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms and signs consistent with a protozoal disease.
- ✓When a patient has a history of a protozoal disease that affects current care.
- ✓When a patient is being treated for complications of a protozoal disease.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
- ✗When a patient has a parasitic disease caused by organisms other than protozoa.
- ✗When a patient's symptoms are not consistent with a protozoal disease.
- ✗When a patient has a history of a protozoal disease that does not affect current care.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by cross-referencing the patient's medical record and the ICD-10 coding manual.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation is crucial for accurate coding of protozoal diseases. It should include a clear and specific diagnosis, details of the patient's symptoms and clinical presentation, and any relevant history or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis of the protozoal disease.
- •Detailed description of the patient's symptoms and clinical presentation.
- •Any relevant history of protozoal diseases.
- •Any complications or associated conditions.
- •Results of any relevant diagnostic tests or procedures.
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports confirming the presence of protozoa.
- •Imaging studies, if applicable.
- •Notes from physical examinations.
- •Patient's medical history.
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Presented with high fever, chills, and severe anemia. Confirmed by blood smear test.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has fever and chills.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of protozoal disease.
- âš Not documenting associated conditions or complications.
- âš Not including results of diagnostic tests or procedures.
- âš Not providing a detailed description of the patient's symptoms and clinical presentation.
Range Statistics
12
Total Codes
68
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for protozoal diseases can be moderately complex due to the variety of conditions included in this range, the need to identify associated conditions, and the requirement for a specific diagnosis. Additionally, co-existing conditions can complicate the coding process, and coders must stay up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines and updates.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Variety of protozoal diseases and their complications.
- â–¸Need to identify associated conditions.
- â–¸Requirement for specific diagnosis.
- â–¸Potential for co-existing conditions.
- â–¸Changes in coding guidelines and updates.
Specialty Focus
Protozoal diseases are primarily diagnosed and treated by infectious disease specialists. However, they may also be relevant to other specialties such as primary care, pediatrics, and travel medicine.
Primary Specialties:
Infectious Diseases
60%
Primary Care
20%
Pediatrics
10%
Travel Medicine
10%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with fever and chills after returning from a trip to a malaria-endemic area.
- • A child develops diarrhea and abdominal pain after drinking untreated water during a camping trip.
- • A patient with HIV presents with neurological symptoms and is diagnosed with toxoplasmosis.
- • A pregnant woman tests positive for toxoplasmosis during routine prenatal screening.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coders working with ICD-10 codes for protozoal diseases. These include official coding guidelines, clinical references, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization: International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ICD-10-CM
Clinical References:
- Infectious Diseases Society of America: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- World Health Organization: Protozoal Diseases
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association: ICD-10 Training
- American Academy of Professional Coders: ICD-10 Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum?
The code for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is B50. This includes several subcategories for different clinical presentations.