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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB60.8

B60.8

Other specified protozoal diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B60.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified protozoal diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B60.8 encompasses a variety of protozoal infections that do not fall under more specific categories. Protozoal diseases are caused by single-celled organisms and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical regions. Common protozoal infections include those caused by Plasmodium species (malaria), Leishmania (leishmaniasis), and Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness). Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific protozoan involved, ranging from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to severe systemic illness. Diagnosis typically involves laboratory tests such as blood smears, serological tests, or PCR. Treatment protocols vary based on the specific protozoal infection but often include antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole, nitazoxanide, or specific antimalarials. The complexity of diagnosing and treating these infections is compounded by the diverse clinical presentations and the potential for co-infections with other pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of protozoal infections covered under this code
  • Need for specific laboratory confirmation for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other infectious diseases
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on the protozoan involved

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific protozoal infection
  • Failure to provide laboratory confirmation of diagnosis
  • Misclassification of symptoms that may overlap with other diseases
  • Lack of detailed travel history or exposure risk documentation

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, gastrointestinal symptoms, or travel history to endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of diagnostic tests and treatment response.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including travel and exposure history, and symptomatology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained fever or gastrointestinal symptoms after travel.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists for further evaluation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B60.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the patient's clinical presentation and laboratory findings
  • Include any relevant travel history and exposure risks

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B60.8 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specifically coded elsewhere

Related CPT Codes

87205CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); direct probe technique

Clinical Scenario

Used when confirming a protozoal infection through molecular testing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific protozoan tested for and the results.

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 protozoal diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. B60.8 serves as a catch-all for less common protozoal infections, which may have been underrepresented in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of protozoal diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. B60.8 serves as a catch-all for less common protozoal infections, which may have been underrepresented in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of protozoal diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. B60.8 serves as a catch-all for less common protozoal infections, which may have been underrepresented in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Protozoal Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Protozoal Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of infections are included under B60.8?

B60.8 includes various protozoal infections that are not specifically categorized elsewhere, such as certain cases of giardiasis, amoebiasis, and other less common protozoal diseases.