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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA88

A88

Viral and other specified intestinal infections

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A88 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of viral and other specified intestinal infections.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Viral and other specified intestinal infections encompass a range of viral pathogens that can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These infections are often caused by viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, which can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, or via person-to-person contact. In some cases, these infections can lead to more severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Neurological complications, although rare, can occur, particularly with certain viral infections like enteroviruses, which may lead to conditions such as viral meningitis or encephalitis. Vaccination status is crucial in preventing some of these infections, particularly rotavirus, for which vaccines are available and recommended for infants. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation, potential complications, and the patient's vaccination history to ensure appropriate management and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral pathogens that can cause similar symptoms
  • Potential for neurological complications requiring additional coding
  • Need for accurate documentation of vaccination status
  • Differentiation from bacterial and parasitic infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to note vaccination status
  • Misclassification of viral infections as bacterial or parasitic
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and vaccination records.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute gastroenteritis symptoms, particularly in outbreak settings.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of travel history and exposure to known outbreaks.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Vaccination history, growth and development assessments, and parental reports of symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants and children presenting with diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in daycare settings.

Billing Considerations

Importance of rotavirus vaccination status and monitoring for dehydration.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A88 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the viral etiology and any associated complications
  • infection is documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A88 When
  • Exclude codes for bacterial or parasitic infections unless co

Related Codes

Child Codes

3 codes
A88.0
Viral hemorrhagic fevers, not elsewhere classified
A88.1
Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis
A88.8
Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified

Related CPT Codes

87430CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); enterovirus

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for enterovirus in patients with suspected viral meningitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the clinical rationale for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and test results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral intestinal infections, improving the ability to track outbreaks and manage public health responses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral intestinal infections, improving the ability to track outbreaks and manage public health responses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Gastroenteritis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Gastroenteritis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of vaccination status in coding A88?

Vaccination status is crucial as it can influence the diagnosis and management of viral intestinal infections, particularly for rotavirus. Accurate documentation of vaccination history helps in determining the risk of infection and guiding treatment.