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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB73

B73

Onchocerciasis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B73 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of onchocerciasis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. This condition primarily affects individuals living in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected blackflies, leading to severe skin and eye disorders. Clinically, onchocerciasis can result in debilitating skin conditions, such as intense itching and dermatitis, as well as serious ocular complications that can lead to blindness. The management of onchocerciasis involves antiparasitic medications, primarily ivermectin, which can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the transmission of the disease.

  • The clinical significance of onchocerciasis extends beyond individual health, as it poses a public health challenge in endemic regions. Effective coding for onchocerciasis under the ICD-10 B73 category is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and epidemiological tracking. Proper coding ensures that healthcare providers can effectively manage resources and implement control measures. Additionally, understanding the complexities of this disease aids in the development of targeted interventions and public health strategies aimed at reducing its prevalence and impact on affected populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Disease transmission dynamics
  • Variability in clinical presentation
  • Need for accurate epidemiological data

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Misclassification of related conditions
  • Failure to report co-morbidities

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related Codes

Child Codes

6 codes
B73.0
Ornithosis
B73.00
Onchocerciasis with eye involvement, unspecified
B73.01
Onchocerciasis with endophthalmitis
B73.02
Onchocerciasis with glaucoma
B73.09
Onchocerciasis with other eye involvement
B73.1
Diphyllobothriasis

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical and administrative impact of the B73 code category is significant, as it plays a crucial role in tracking the prevalence and management of onchocerciasis. Accurate coding helps healthcare providers identify trends in disease incidence and effectiveness of treatment strategies, which is essential for public health initiatives aimed at controlling and eliminating the disease. Furthermore, the implications for population health are profound, as onchocerciasis can lead to long-term disability and socioeconomic challenges in affected communities.
From an administrative perspective, the proper use of the B73 code facilitates resource allocation and funding for research and treatment programs. It also informs quality measures that can enhance patient care and outcomes. As healthcare systems increasingly focus on population health management, understanding the impact of onchocerciasis and its coding will be vital in shaping effective healthcare policies and interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical and administrative impact of the B73 code category is significant, as it plays a crucial role in tracking the prevalence and management of onchocerciasis. Accurate coding helps healthcare providers identify trends in disease incidence and effectiveness of treatment strategies, which is essential for public health initiatives aimed at controlling and eliminating the disease. Furthermore, the implications for population health are profound, as onchocerciasis can lead to long-term disability and socioeconomic challenges in affected communities. From an administrative perspective, the proper use of the B73 code facilitates resource allocation and funding for research and treatment programs. It also informs quality measures that can enhance patient care and outcomes. As healthcare systems increasingly focus on population health management, understanding the impact of onchocerciasis and its coding will be vital in shaping effective healthcare policies and interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the severity of the disease and the complexity of the treatment provided. It is essential to stay informed about payer-specific guidelines and requirements to optimize reimbursement outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for B73

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for B73

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in B73?

The B73 category specifically covers onchocerciasis, including its various clinical manifestations such as skin and ocular complications.

When should I use B73 codes?

B73 codes should be used when diagnosing or treating patients with confirmed onchocerciasis, particularly when documenting related symptoms and complications.

What documentation is required for B73?

Documentation must include evidence of the diagnosis, clinical findings related to onchocerciasis, and any treatments administered, including medications and follow-up care.