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ICD-10 Coding for Oral Herpes(B00.1, B00.2)

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

Also known as:

Cold SoresHerpes Labialis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Oral Herpes

B00-B09Primary Range

Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

This range includes all herpesviral infections, with specific codes for oral manifestations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B00.1Herpesviral vesicular dermatitisUse for confirmed cases of herpes labialis with vesicular lesions on the lips.
  • PCR confirmation of HSV-1
  • Clinical presentation of vesicular lesions on the lips
B00.2Herpesviral gingivostomatitis and pharyngotonsillitisUse for confirmed cases with lesions on the gingiva or pharynx.
  • PCR confirmation of HSV-1 or HSV-2
  • Clinical presentation of ulcers on gingiva or pharynx

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for oral herpes

Essential facts and insights about Oral Herpes

The ICD-10 code for oral herpes, specifically herpes labialis, is B00.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for oral herpes

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vesicular lesions on the lip border

documentation Criteria

  • PCR confirmation of HSV-1

Applicable To

  • Herpes labialis

Excludes

  • Gingivostomatitis (B00.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PCR confirmation of HSV-1
  • Clinical presentation of vesicular lesions on the lips

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if lesion location is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lesion location is documented to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use if fever is present and not integral to the herpes infection.

Diseases of lips

K13.0
Use if oral mucositis is present as a complication.

Differential Codes

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

Herpesviral gingivostomatitis and pharyngotonsillitis

B00.2
Use B00.2 for lesions primarily on the gingiva or pharynx.

Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis

B00.1
Use B00.1 for lesions primarily on the lips.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Oral Herpes to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B00.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific lesion location and type are documented to use B00.1 or B00.2.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of lesion location and type.

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 Oral Herpes, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Oral Herpes

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

Recurrent herpes labialis

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Lesion description
  • Location
  • PCR results
  • Recurrence status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with recurrent vesicular lesions on the upper lip, confirmed HSV-1 via PCR.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Oral herpes present.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent 4-mm vesicular lesions on upper lip border, HSV-1 confirmed via PCR 02/25/2025.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lesion details and confirmation method.

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

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