The Zika virus, a flavivirus spread by infected mosquitoes, has recently made its way to the U.S. (including two confirmed cases in Denver) from travelers returning from infected areas, such as South America. So far, there haven’t been any locally transmitted cases reported in the continental U.S. However, healthcare providers should keep an eye out for Zika virus symptoms, which include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes), as well as muscle pain and headaches.
It is important to use the correct ICD-10 code for the Zika virus for proper reimbursement. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) sent an email to its membership regarding the coding of the virus. The recommended ICD-10 code is A92.8: “Other specified mosquito-borne viral fever (which includes “Zika (viral)” listed in the code description).” For pregnant women who have contracted the virus, use code 098: “All maternal infectious and parasitic diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium.” If a newborn infected with Zika virus develops microcephaly, code Q02: “Microcephaly.” If the patient has contracted the Guillain-Barré syndrome as a result of the virus, then the ICD-10 diagnosis code would be G61.0.
Staying on top of coding changes and making sure you get paid correctly and quickly is what we do best. If you have any questions about ICD-10 coding, contact us at info@ClinicService.com.
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