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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB02

B02

Zoster caused by Varicella-Zoster virus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of zoster caused by varicella-zoster virus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, leading to zoster. The condition is characterized by a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face, often accompanied by burning or tingling sensations. The rash develops into fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over. Zoster can occur at any age but is more common in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications may include postherpetic neuralgia, which is persistent pain in the area where the rash occurred, and secondary bacterial infections of the skin. Vaccination against VZV is recommended for older adults to reduce the risk of developing zoster and its complications. The shingles vaccine can significantly decrease the incidence and severity of the disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between zoster and other herpes virus infections
  • Identifying complications such as postherpetic neuralgia
  • Understanding vaccination history and its impact on coding
  • Documenting the location and severity of the rash

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the rash's characteristics
  • Failure to document vaccination status
  • Misclassification of zoster as a different herpes virus infection
  • Omission of complications in coding

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the rash, including location, size, and appearance.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with a painful rash, often with a history of chickenpox.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes any complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

History of chickenpox, vaccination status, and any immunocompromised conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent zoster or those at high risk due to immunosuppression.

Billing Considerations

Consider the patient's overall health and any underlying conditions that may affect treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B02 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, B02 should be used when the diagnosis of zoster is confirmed
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis, including the presence of the characteristic rash and any associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B02 When
  • Exclusions include other herpes virus infections unless specified

Related Codes

Child Codes

18 codes
B02.0
Zoster encephalitis
B02.1
Zoster meningitis
B02.2
Herpes zoster with other nervous system involvement
B02.21
Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis
B02.22
Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia
B02.23
Postherpetic polyneuropathy
B02.24
Postherpetic myelitis
B02.29
Other postherpetic nervous system involvement
B02.3
Herpes zoster with other complications
B02.30
Zoster ocular disease, unspecified
B02.31
Zoster conjunctivitis
B02.32
Zoster iridocyclitis
B02.33
Zoster keratitis
B02.34
Zoster scleritis
B02.39
Other herpes zoster eye disease
B02.7
Herpesviral encephalitis
B02.8
Zoster with other complications
B02.9
Zoster without complications

Related CPT Codes

90471CPT Code

Immunization administration

Clinical Scenario

When a patient receives the shingles vaccine.

Documentation Requirements

Document vaccine type and administration details.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure proper coding for vaccine administration in relation to zoster.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of zoster and its complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of zoster and its complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Varicella-Zoster Virus Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Varicella-Zoster Virus Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between zoster and chickenpox?

Zoster is a reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus that causes a painful rash, while chickenpox is the initial infection characterized by a widespread rash and systemic symptoms.