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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB68

B68

B68 - Echinococcosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B68 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of b68 - echinococcosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, primarily Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. This condition is characterized by the formation of cysts in various organs, most commonly the liver and lungs, which can lead to significant morbidity. The infection is typically acquired through ingestion of eggs found in contaminated food, water, or soil, often associated with contact with infected dogs or livestock. Clinical manifestations can range from asymptomatic to severe, depending on the size and location of the cysts. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues if the lungs are involved. Diagnosis is often made through imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, alongside serological tests. Treatment options include surgical intervention to remove cysts, along with antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole to prevent recurrence. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to avoid complications such as cyst rupture, which can lead to anaphylactic shock or secondary infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of clinical presentations and symptoms
  • Need for imaging studies for accurate diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other cystic lesions
  • Potential for complications requiring surgical intervention

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of cyst type or location
  • Lack of clear treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including exposure risks and symptomatology, along with imaging and lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms, or incidental findings on imaging.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of travel history and potential zoonotic exposure is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing cyst removal, pathology reports, and follow-up care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for large or symptomatic cysts.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B68 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, including the type of echinococcosis and any associated complications
  • Ensure to use additional codes for any related conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B68 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

3 codes
B68.0
Taeniasis due to Taenia solium
B68.1
Toxoplasmosis of newborn
B68.9
Toxoplasmosis, unspecified

Related CPT Codes

47562CPT Code

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for cyst removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure to document any complications or additional procedures performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. The granularity of codes helps in understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. The granularity of codes helps in understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. The granularity of codes helps in understanding the epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Echinococcosis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Echinococcosis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of echinococcosis?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues, depending on the location of the cysts.

How is echinococcosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, along with serological tests.

What treatments are available for echinococcosis?

Treatment options include surgical removal of cysts and antiparasitic medications like albendazole.