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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB34.8

B34.8

Other viral infections of unspecified site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B34.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other viral infections of unspecified site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B34.8 refers to viral infections that do not have a specified site of infection. This code encompasses a variety of viral infections that may present with nonspecific symptoms and do not localize to a particular organ or system. Common examples include viral syndromes caused by viruses such as adenovirus, enterovirus, and cytomegalovirus, which can lead to symptoms like fever, malaise, and myalgia. Diagnosis often relies on clinical evaluation and may include serological tests, PCR assays, or viral cultures, depending on the suspected virus. Treatment is generally supportive, focusing on symptom management, as many viral infections are self-limiting. Antiviral medications may be indicated for specific viral infections, such as acyclovir for herpes viruses or oseltamivir for influenza, but are not universally applicable to all cases coded under B34.8. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's clinical presentation and any laboratory findings that may indicate a specific viral etiology.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential viral infections included under this code
  • Need for clinical correlation with symptoms and lab results
  • Differentiation from other viral codes that specify sites
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to the diagnosis
  • Failure to specify the viral infection when possible
  • Misuse of this code when a more specific viral infection code exists
  • Lack of supporting lab results or clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, fatigue, and nonspecific viral symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of travel history and exposure to infectious agents is crucial.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of symptoms, vaccination history, and any recent illnesses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children presenting with viral exanthems or febrile illnesses.

Billing Considerations

Age-specific considerations and developmental history may influence diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B34.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, B34
  • 8 should be used when a viral infection is confirmed but does not localize to a specific site
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that no more specific viral infection codes are applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B34.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87522CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); viral, amplified probe technique

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for specific viral infections in patients with nonspecific symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of clinical symptoms and rationale for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may frequently order these tests.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of viral infections, but B34.8 remains a catch-all for unspecified viral infections, which can lead to challenges in documentation and coding accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of viral infections, but B34.8 remains a catch-all for unspecified viral infections, which can lead to challenges in documentation and coding accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of viral infections, but B34.8 remains a catch-all for unspecified viral infections, which can lead to challenges in documentation and coding accuracy.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Infections Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Infections Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use B34.8?

B34.8 should be used when a viral infection is suspected but cannot be specified to a particular site or virus. Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis.