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 CodesB09

B09

B09 Unspecified viral infection characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B09 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of b09 unspecified viral infection characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B09 is used to classify unspecified viral infections that present with lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. These infections can arise from various viral pathogens, including but not limited to herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and enteroviruses. Clinically, patients may exhibit a range of symptoms from mild rashes to severe vesicular lesions, which can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infections or systemic involvement. Diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation, and laboratory tests may be required to identify the specific viral agent. Treatment typically focuses on symptomatic relief and may include antiviral medications depending on the underlying virus. Due to the broad nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the clinical findings thoroughly to support the diagnosis and ensure appropriate coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral pathogens that can cause similar symptoms
  • Need for thorough clinical documentation to specify the nature of the lesions
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on the underlying virus

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the viral infection's nature
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers
  • Failure to specify the type of lesions present
  • Misuse of the code when a more specific viral infection code is available

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained rashes or mucosal lesions, requiring differential diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure that all relevant viral testing is documented to support the diagnosis.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive descriptions of skin lesions, including size, shape, and distribution.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with skin lesions suspected to be of viral origin, requiring biopsy or other diagnostic procedures.

Billing Considerations

Dermatologists should differentiate between viral and non-viral skin conditions to avoid misclassification.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B09 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, B09 should be used when the specific viral infection is not identified
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the unspecified nature of the infection and that no more specific code is applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B09 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87522CPT Code

Viral culture, any source

Clinical Scenario

When a viral culture is performed to identify the causative agent of skin lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and the clinical findings leading to the test.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure that the culture results are linked to the 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, but B09 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials or audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral infections, but B09 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials or audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral infections, but B09 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials or audits.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use code B09?

Use code B09 when a patient presents with skin and mucous membrane lesions of viral origin, and the specific virus has not been identified. Ensure that documentation supports the unspecified nature of the infection.