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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB53

B53

Other specified parasitic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B53 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified parasitic diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

ICD-10 code B53 encompasses a range of parasitic diseases that do not fall under more specific categories. One of the most significant diseases included in this code is malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium species, including P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness. The identification of the specific Plasmodium species is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and understanding the potential for antimalarial resistance, which is a growing concern in many endemic areas. Prophylaxis against malaria is also an important aspect of management, particularly for travelers to endemic regions, and involves the use of antimalarial medications such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Accurate coding for malaria and other parasitic diseases requires thorough documentation of the species involved, any resistance patterns, and the prophylactic measures taken, as these factors significantly influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of species causing malaria and their resistance patterns
  • Need for precise documentation of travel history and exposure
  • Differentiation between acute and chronic forms of parasitic diseases
  • Potential for co-infections with other diseases

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of species identification
  • Failure to note antimalarial resistance patterns
  • Lack of travel history documentation
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including travel and exposure history, laboratory results for species identification, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of malaria, evaluation of antimalarial resistance, and treatment of co-infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of species and resistance to guide treatment decisions.

Travel Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive travel history, prophylaxis recommendations, and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pre-travel consultations, post-travel evaluations, and management of travelers' diarrhea or malaria.

Billing Considerations

Focus on preventive measures and education regarding malaria prophylaxis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B53 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific parasitic disease, species identification, and any relevant resistance patterns
  • Include additional codes for symptoms or complications as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B53 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

3 codes
B53.0
Plasmodium falciparum malaria
B53.1
Plasmodium falciparum malaria
B53.8
Other specified parasitic diseases

Related CPT Codes

87449CPT Code

Malaria antigen detection

Clinical Scenario

Used for rapid diagnosis of malaria in patients presenting with fever.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure accurate interpretation of results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of parasitic diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. B53 provides flexibility for coding less common parasitic diseases while ensuring that malaria is accurately captured.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of parasitic diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. B53 provides flexibility for coding less common parasitic diseases while ensuring that malaria is accurately captured.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of parasitic diseases, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. B53 provides flexibility for coding less common parasitic diseases while ensuring that malaria is accurately captured.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Malaria Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Malaria Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of coding for specific Plasmodium species?

Coding for specific Plasmodium species is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and understanding potential resistance patterns, which can significantly impact patient outcomes.