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 CodesB33.23

B33.23

Viral pericarditis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B33.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of viral pericarditis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Viral pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, caused by viral infections. Common viral pathogens include Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, Influenza virus, and HIV. Patients typically present with symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and dyspnea. The pain may worsen with deep breathing or coughing and may be relieved by sitting forward. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as echocardiography, which can reveal pericardial effusion, and laboratory tests that may include viral serologies and PCR testing to identify the specific viral agent. Treatment is generally supportive, focusing on pain relief with NSAIDs or corticosteroids in severe cases. Antiviral therapy may be indicated in specific viral infections, such as HIV, where antiviral medications can help manage the underlying viral load. The prognosis for viral pericarditis is generally good, with most patients recovering fully without complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral etiologies that may require specific documentation.
  • Differentiation from other types of pericarditis (e.g., bacterial, tuberculous).
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation to support diagnosis.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of viral etiology.
  • Failure to document the clinical presentation and symptoms.
  • Misclassification of pericarditis type (viral vs. non-viral).
  • Lack of supporting lab results or imaging studies.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chest pain and fever, suspected viral infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes specific viral identification and treatment response.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of viral infections, lab results, and treatment regimens.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known viral infections presenting with cardiac symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any antiviral treatments and their effects on pericarditis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B33.23 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infectious diseases
  • Include documentation of the viral etiology and any relevant clinical findings
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by appropriate laboratory and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B33.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

93303CPT Code

Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with interpretation.

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess pericardial effusion in suspected viral pericarditis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for echocardiography and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Cardiology specialists should ensure comprehensive reporting of echocardiographic findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral pericarditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for precise documentation of viral etiology.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral pericarditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for precise documentation of viral etiology.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for precise documentation of viral etiology.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Pericarditis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Pericarditis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common viral causes of pericarditis?

Common viral causes include Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, Influenza virus, and HIV. Each may present with unique clinical features and require specific diagnostic approaches.