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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB27.8

B27.8

Other viral agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B27.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other viral agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B27.8 is used to classify diseases caused by viral agents that do not fall under specific viral infections listed in other ICD-10 codes. This code encompasses a variety of viral infections that may lead to conditions such as viral pneumonia, viral hepatitis, or other systemic illnesses. The viral agents can include less common viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and others that may not have dedicated codes. Diagnosis typically involves serological tests, PCR assays, and sometimes biopsy for definitive identification of the viral agent. Treatment may vary widely depending on the specific virus involved, with antiviral medications being a common approach, although some viral infections may require supportive care rather than direct antiviral therapy. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological trends in viral infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral agents that can be classified under this code
  • Need for precise documentation to identify the specific viral agent
  • Potential overlap with other viral infection codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment protocols

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific viral agent
  • Misclassification of viral infections
  • Failure to provide laboratory results supporting the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent use of the code across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, clinical notes specifying the viral agent, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained fevers, fatigue, or organ-specific symptoms with suspected viral etiology.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly links the viral agent to the clinical condition being treated.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, symptomatology, and any relevant lab tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with viral syndromes that do not fit neatly into other categories, requiring further investigation.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the rationale for testing and the clinical decision-making process is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B27.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, B27
  • 8 should be used when a viral agent is identified as the cause of a disease classified elsewhere
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not used when a more specific code is available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B27.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87522CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); viral, amplified probe technique

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for viral agents leading to diseases classified elsewhere.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and the specific viral agent being investigated.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure that the testing aligns with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of viral infections, including those classified under B27.8. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and manage public health responses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of viral infections, including those classified under B27.8. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and manage public health responses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of viral infections, including those classified under B27.8. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and manage public health responses.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use B27.8?

Use B27.8 when a viral agent is identified as the cause of a disease that does not have a specific code in the ICD-10 system. Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis.