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ICD-10 Coding for Herpangina(B08.5)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Herpangina. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vesicular Pharyngitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Herpangina

B00-B09Primary Range

Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

This range includes specific viral infections such as herpangina, which is coded under B08.5.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for herpangina

Essential facts and insights about Herpangina

The ICD-10 code for herpangina is B08.5, used for cases with vesicular ulcers in the mouth and fever, without extremity rash.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for herpangina

Herpangina
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vesicular ulcers in the mouth with fever

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of rash on hands and feet

Applicable To

  • Vesicular pharyngitis

Excludes

  • Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (B08.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of vesicular ulcers on the posterior oropharyngeal structures
  • Acute onset fever
  • Absence of rash on hands and feet

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with hand-foot-and-mouth disease if rash is present on extremities.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of extremity rash to avoid misclassification as HFMD.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use when fever is documented but not specified as part of herpangina.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

B08.4
Presence of vesicular rash on hands, feet, or buttocks differentiates it from herpangina.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Herpangina to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B08.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Could result in coding audits and penalties., Financial: Incorrect coding affects reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff to document specific ulcer characteristics.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies absence of extremity rash.

Impact

Risk of coding herpangina as HFMD due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation protocols.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Herpangina, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Herpangina

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Herpangina. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pediatric presentation of herpangina

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Document fever onset and temperature
  • Describe location and appearance of oral ulcers
  • Confirm absence of rash on extremities

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sudden fever and multiple vesicular lesions on the soft palate. No rash on hands or feet. Diagnosis: Herpangina.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has viral infection with mouth sores.
Good Documentation Example
Child presents with acute fever and vesicular ulcers on the soft palate, no extremity rash. Diagnosis: Herpangina.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Herpangina? Ask your questions below.

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