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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB02.21

B02.21

Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B02.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis is a complication that arises following an outbreak of herpes zoster (shingles), which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This condition specifically affects the geniculate ganglion, a cluster of nerve cells located in the facial region. Patients typically present with severe pain, sensory disturbances, and sometimes motor deficits in the distribution of the facial nerve. The pain can be debilitating and is often described as burning or stabbing. The onset of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can occur after the resolution of the rash associated with shingles, leading to prolonged discomfort. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the history of herpes zoster and the characteristic symptoms. Treatment may include antiviral medications, analgesics, and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. Vaccination against herpes zoster is recommended for older adults to prevent the occurrence of shingles and its complications, including postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of herpes zoster and its complications
  • Differentiation from other types of neuralgia
  • Documentation of prior herpes zoster infection
  • Understanding of the anatomical implications of the geniculate ganglion

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior herpes zoster infection
  • Failure to specify the location of pain
  • Misclassification of pain type
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, prior herpes zoster infection, and neurological examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with facial pain following shingles, requiring pain management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should document the severity and duration of symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessment, treatment history, and response to previous therapies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of chronic pain due to postherpetic neuralgia.

Billing Considerations

Pain specialists should document the impact of pain on daily activities and quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B02.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for specificity in coding neurological conditions
  • Ensure to document the history of herpes zoster and the specific symptoms related to the geniculate ganglion

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B02.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

64400CPT Code

Injection, anesthetic agent into the trigeminal nerve

Clinical Scenario

Used for pain management in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and the patient's response to previous treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Pain management specialists should ensure comprehensive pain assessments are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of postherpetic complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of postherpetic complications, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Herpes Zoster

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines on Herpes Zoster

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis?

It is primarily caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which leads to inflammation of the geniculate ganglion following a shingles outbreak.

How can postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis be treated?

Treatment typically involves antiviral medications, pain management strategies, and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.