ICD-10 Guide

B08.71

Tanapox virus disease

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 B08.71 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tanapox virus disease.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tanapox virus disease is a rare viral infection caused by the Tanapox virus, which is part of the Poxviridae family. This disease is primarily found in certain regions of Africa, particularly in the vicinity of the Tanapox River in Kenya. The clinical presentation of Tanapox virus disease typically includes fever, malaise, and the development of skin lesions that may progress to vesicular or pustular forms. The lesions are often localized and can resemble those seen in other poxvirus infections. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by serological tests or PCR for definitive identification of the virus. While the disease is generally self-limiting, it can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections of the skin lesions. Vaccination against other poxviruses, such as smallpox, may provide some cross-protection, but specific vaccines for Tanapox virus are not available. Understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, and potential complications of Tanapox virus disease is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Limited awareness and documentation of the disease among healthcare providers.
Variability in clinical presentation that may mimic other viral infections.
Need for specific laboratory confirmation which may not be readily available.
Potential for misclassification with other poxvirus diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
Failure to provide laboratory confirmation.
Misdiagnosis due to similarity with other viral infections.
Lack of follow-up documentation for complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and skin lesions in endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of travel history and exposure to endemic regions.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Photographic evidence of skin lesions and detailed descriptions of lesion morphology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vesicular or pustular lesions that require differential diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Document any secondary infections or complications arising from the lesions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B08.71 When

Follow the official ICD
CM coding guidelines for infectious diseases, ensuring accurate documentation of clinical findings and laboratory results
Include any relevant history of travel to endemic areas and exposure to potential sources of infection

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B08.71 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87593CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used when laboratory confirmation of Tanapox virus is required.

Documentation Requirements

Laboratory reports confirming the presence of Tanapox virus.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure accurate coding based on 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 rare diseases like Tanapox virus disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better epidemiological tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of rare diseases like Tanapox virus disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better epidemiological tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of rare diseases like Tanapox virus disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better epidemiological tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

•
CDC - Tanapox Virus

Coding & Billing References

•
CDC - Tanapox Virus

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of Tanapox virus disease?

Common symptoms include fever, malaise, and the development of localized skin lesions that may progress to vesicular or pustular forms.

Is there a vaccine for Tanapox virus?

Currently, there is no specific vaccine for Tanapox virus; however, vaccination against smallpox may provide some cross-protection.

ICD-10 B08.71 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tanapox virus disease.