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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB79

B79

Parasitic disease, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of parasitic disease, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code B79 is designated for 'Parasitic disease, unspecified.' This category encompasses a variety of parasitic infections that do not have a more specific classification. Parasitic diseases can be caused by protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites, leading to a range of clinical manifestations from mild discomfort to severe systemic illness. The lack of specificity in this code means it is often used when the exact type of parasitic infection is not determined or documented, which can occur in cases where patients present with nonspecific symptoms or when laboratory confirmation is pending. Clinicians should strive to identify the specific parasite when possible to ensure accurate coding and treatment planning.

  • In clinical practice, the use of B79 is significant as it allows healthcare providers to document the presence of a parasitic disease when the specifics are unclear. This can be particularly relevant in epidemiological studies or when tracking the prevalence of parasitic infections in certain populations. Accurate coding is essential for reimbursement purposes and for maintaining comprehensive patient records. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential for misdiagnosis and the necessity of thorough diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of a specific parasitic infection, which can lead to more targeted treatment and better patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity
  • Variety of potential underlying conditions
  • Need for laboratory confirmation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation
  • Inconsistent coding practices
  • Potential for upcoding if used inappropriately

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

Internal Medicine

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 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 impact of the B79 code category is significant as it allows for the identification of patients with parasitic infections, even when the specific cause is not yet known. This can facilitate appropriate treatment and management strategies while also contributing to broader public health data regarding the prevalence of parasitic diseases. Understanding the epidemiology of these infections can inform healthcare policies and resource allocation, particularly in regions where parasitic diseases are more common. Furthermore, the use of B79 in clinical settings highlights the importance of diagnostic accuracy and the need for ongoing education among healthcare providers regarding parasitic infections and their implications.
Administratively, the B79 code can influence healthcare trends by impacting quality measures and population health initiatives. Accurate coding of parasitic diseases is essential for tracking disease outbreaks and assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions. As healthcare systems increasingly focus on value-based care, the ability to accurately document and code for conditions like parasitic diseases will play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and ensuring that healthcare resources are appropriately utilized.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the B79 code category is significant as it allows for the identification of patients with parasitic infections, even when the specific cause is not yet known. This can facilitate appropriate treatment and management strategies while also contributing to broader public health data regarding the prevalence of parasitic diseases. Understanding the epidemiology of these infections can inform healthcare policies and resource allocation, particularly in regions where parasitic diseases are more common. Furthermore, the use of B79 in clinical settings highlights the importance of diagnostic accuracy and the need for ongoing education among healthcare providers regarding parasitic infections and their implications. Administratively, the B79 code can influence healthcare trends by impacting quality measures and population health initiatives. Accurate coding of parasitic diseases is essential for tracking disease outbreaks and assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions. As healthcare systems increasingly focus on value-based care, the ability to accurately...

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the payer's policies, and providers should be aware of the need for thorough documentation to justify the use of this code. Additionally, follow-up care and any further diagnostic testing should also be documented to support ongoing treatment plans.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for B79

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for B79

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in B79?

B79 includes unspecified parasitic diseases that do not fall under more specific categories. This can encompass a range of infections caused by various parasites, including protozoa and helminths, when the exact type is not identified.

When should I use B79 codes?

B79 should be used when a patient is diagnosed with a parasitic disease but the specific type of parasite has not been determined. It is important to document any relevant symptoms and the diagnostic process undertaken.

What documentation is required for B79?

Documentation should include clinical findings, symptoms, and any diagnostic tests performed. It is essential to note the reason for using the unspecified code and any plans for further testing to identify the specific parasite.