Pediculosis, acariasis and other infestations
ICD-10 Codes (20)
B86B87B87.0B87.1B87.2B87.3B87.4B87.8B87.81B87.82B87.89B87.9B88B88.0B88.1B88.2B88.3B88.8B88.9B89Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (2)
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 B85-B89 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
The ICD-10 code range B85-B89 covers a variety of infestations including Pediculosis (lice), Acariasis (mites), and other parasitic infestations. These codes are used to document diagnoses related to these infestations, including the specific type of infestation, location on the body, and any related complications.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the type of infestation (lice, mites, etc.)
- •Include the location of the infestation on the body
- •Document any related complications or secondary infections
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated diseases
- •For recurrent infestations, use a code from B85-B89 as the primary diagnosis
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of an infestation
- ✓If an infestation is discovered during a routine examination
- ✓When treating complications related to an infestation
- ✓If a patient has a history of recurrent infestations
When NOT to Use:
- ✗If the infestation is not the primary reason for the visit
- ✗When the infestation has been previously treated and is no longer present
- ✗If the patient is being seen for a different, unrelated condition
- ✗When the infestation is suspected but not confirmed
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the most current version of the ICD-10 manual.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for B85-B89 codes requires specific clinical information and supporting evidence. This includes the type of infestation, location on the body, any related complications, and the patient's history of infestations.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of infestation
- •Location of infestation
- •Presence of any complications
- •Patient's history of infestations
Supporting Evidence:
- •Physical examination findings
- •Laboratory test results
- •Imaging studies if applicable
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with severe itching and visible lice in hair. Diagnosis: Pediculosis capitis (B85.0)
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has lice.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of infestation
- ⚠Failing to document the location of the infestation
- ⚠Not including any related complications
- ⚠Not using additional codes for associated diseases
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for B85-B89 is considered medium due to the need to accurately identify the type of infestation, document the location on the body, include any related complications, and use additional codes for associated diseases.
Key Factors:
- ▸Identifying the specific type of infestation
- ▸Documenting the location of the infestation
- ▸Including any related complications
- ▸Using additional codes for associated diseases
Specialty Focus
While these codes can be used by any medical specialty, they are most commonly used by dermatologists, pediatricians, and primary care physicians.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A child presents with intense itching and visible lice in the scalp hair.
- • An adult patient presents with a rash and is diagnosed with a mite infestation.
- • A patient with a history of recurrent lice infestations presents for a follow-up visit.
- • A patient presents with a secondary skin infection related to a lice infestation.
Resources & References
Several resources are available for coding infestations, including the official ICD-10 manual, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Coding Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a B85-B89 code as a secondary diagnosis?
Yes, if the infestation is not the primary reason for the visit but is still relevant to the patient's care, a B85-B89 code can be used as a secondary diagnosis.