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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB08.8

B08.8

Other viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B08.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B08.8 encompasses a variety of viral infections that present with lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, which are not classified under more specific viral infection codes. Common examples include viral exanthems such as those caused by non-specific viral agents, certain strains of enteroviruses, and other less common viruses that can lead to rashes or mucosal lesions. These infections can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on the viral agent involved. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation and may require laboratory confirmation. The lesions can vary in appearance, including vesicular, maculopapular, or ulcerative forms, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy. Vaccination considerations are crucial, as some viral infections can be prevented through vaccination, while others may not have available vaccines. Complications can arise, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, leading to more severe manifestations or secondary infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral agents that can cause similar symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other ICD-10 codes
  • Documentation requirements for specific viral identification

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific viral agent
  • Failure to differentiate from other skin conditions
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of clarity in clinical notes regarding symptoms and treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including patient history, symptoms, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with rashes and systemic symptoms, requiring identification of the viral cause.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of patient immunization history and potential exposure risks.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Photographic evidence of lesions, detailed descriptions of skin findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of skin lesions suspected to be viral in origin, often requiring biopsy or lab tests.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating viral lesions from other dermatological conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B08.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the clinical presentation and any laboratory findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B08.8 When
  • Exclude conditions that are specifically classified under other codes

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Viral culture

Clinical Scenario

Used when a viral infection is suspected and confirmation is needed.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab results for accurate diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral infections, improving the ability to track and analyze these conditions. B08.8 provides a catch-all for less common viral infections that may not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better data collection and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral infections, improving the ability to track and analyze these conditions. B08.8 provides a catch-all for less common viral infections that may not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better data collection and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral infections, improving the ability to track and analyze these conditions. B08.8 provides a catch-all for less common viral infections that may not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better data collection and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Infections Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Infections Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of infections are included under B08.8?

B08.8 includes various viral infections that cause skin and mucous membrane lesions but are not classified under more specific codes. This can include infections from less common viruses or atypical presentations of known viruses.