ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB02.9

B02.9

Zoster without complications

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B02.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of zoster without complications.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. Zoster typically presents as a painful rash that develops on one side of the body, often in a dermatomal distribution. The rash usually begins as red patches that evolve into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually crust over. While zoster can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, it is more common in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. The condition is characterized by its acute onset and can be accompanied by prodromal symptoms such as fever, headache, and malaise. In the absence of complications, zoster is generally self-limiting, with most patients recovering within a few weeks. However, it can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that persists after the rash has healed. Vaccination against VZV is recommended for older adults to reduce the risk of developing zoster and its complications. The zoster vaccine can significantly decrease the incidence and severity of the disease, making it an important preventive measure in at-risk populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between zoster with and without complications
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and timing of symptoms
  • Knowledge of vaccination history and its impact on coding
  • Awareness of potential co-morbidities that may affect coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the absence of complications
  • Misclassification of zoster as a complication when it is not
  • Failure to document vaccination status
  • Inconsistent coding across different encounters

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including vaccination status and symptom onset.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with a rash and pain in a dermatomal pattern.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the absence of complications and any relevant co-morbidities.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive clinical evaluation and laboratory results if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent zoster or those with immunocompromised states.

Billing Considerations

Document any underlying conditions that may influence the course of the disease.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B02.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, B02
  • 9 should be used when zoster is confirmed without complications
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and absence of complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B02.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90736CPT Code

Zoster vaccine

Clinical Scenario

Administered to patients over 50 to prevent zoster.

Documentation Requirements

Document patient age, vaccination consent, and administration details.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure patients are informed about the vaccine's benefits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of zoster, distinguishing between cases with and without complications, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of zoster, distinguishing between cases with and without complications, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of zoster, distinguishing between cases with and without complications, which aids in better tracking and management of the disease.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Zoster Vaccination

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Zoster Vaccination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between B02.9 and B02.0?

B02.9 is used for zoster without complications, while B02.0 is for zoster with complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia or secondary infections.