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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB66.9

B66.9

Echinococcosis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 B66.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of echinococcosis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The most common species affecting humans are Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. The infection typically occurs through the ingestion of eggs found in contaminated food, water, or soil, often associated with contact with infected animals, particularly dogs and livestock. The disease can manifest in various forms, primarily as cystic echinococcosis (CE) or alveolar echinococcosis (AE). CE is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cysts in organs, most commonly the liver and lungs, which can lead to complications such as cyst rupture or secondary infections. AE, on the other hand, resembles a malignant tumor and can invade surrounding tissues, leading to severe health issues. Symptoms may vary widely, from asymptomatic cases to severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or respiratory distress, depending on the cyst's location and size. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, along with serological tests. Treatment options include surgical removal of cysts, percutaneous drainage, and antiparasitic medications like albendazole or mebendazole. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type or location of echinococcosis is not documented, necessitating careful clinical evaluation and documentation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of cyst type and location
  • Differentiation between cystic and alveolar forms
  • Potential for complications requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of echinococcosis
  • Lack of imaging or serological test results
  • Misclassification of the disease severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms, or incidental findings on imaging.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in the type of echinococcosis and any complications that may arise.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any complications encountered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for cyst removal or drainage.

Billing Considerations

Document the size and location of cysts, as well as any preoperative imaging findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B66.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, B66
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of echinococcosis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B66.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

47563CPT Code

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for cystic echinococcosis of the liver.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the diagnosis is clearly linked to the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. B66.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. B66.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of echinococcosis, improving the ability to track and manage this parasitic infection. B66.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Echinococcosis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Echinococcosis

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of B66.9?

Document all clinical findings, imaging results, and any treatments provided. If the specific type of echinococcosis is not known, ensure that this is clearly stated in the medical record.