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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB02.3

B02.3

Herpes zoster with other complications

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B02.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of herpes zoster with other complications.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. This condition is characterized by a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face. In cases classified under B02.3, the herpes zoster is accompanied by other complications, which may include postherpetic neuralgia, secondary bacterial infections, or neurological complications such as encephalitis or myelitis. The risk of complications increases with age and in individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccination against VZV is recommended for older adults to reduce the incidence and severity of herpes zoster and its complications. The clinical management of herpes zoster with complications often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including antiviral therapy, pain management, and possibly referral to specialists for neurological or dermatological evaluation. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of complications that can accompany herpes zoster
  • Need for precise documentation of complications
  • Differentiation from other herpes-related codes
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of complications
  • Failure to specify the type of complication
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Inconsistent clinical notes that do not match coding

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, including vaccination status and immune status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with shingles and associated complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of patient age and immune status is crucial for accurate coding.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments and imaging results if complications involve the nervous system.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with herpes zoster presenting with neurological symptoms such as encephalitis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the neurological impact of herpes zoster.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B02.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, B02
  • 3 should be used when herpes zoster is accompanied by other complications
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the presence of these complications and that they are not coded separately unless specified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B02.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with herpes zoster complications.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of herpes zoster and its 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 herpes zoster and its 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 are the common complications associated with herpes zoster?

Common complications include postherpetic neuralgia, secondary bacterial infections, and neurological complications such as encephalitis or myelitis.