The article provides a detailed overview of shingles along with its ICD-10 codes.
Shingles is a viral infection that produces a painful rash or blisters on the skin. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles can occur anywhere on the body. The condition normally appears as a single strip of blisters wrapped around the left side or the right side of the torso. Shingles is not life-threatening, but can be very painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles. Early and timely treatment may reduce the severity of the infection and reduce the chances of complications. Dermatologists treating different types of complex skin conditions like shingles often face challenges when it comes to medical billing and coding. With the specificity and granularity of ICD-10 codes, reporting diagnoses can be complex. Relying on the services of a medical billing company that specializes in dermatology medical billing and coding can ensure error-free, timely claim submission.
According to reports from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year. It is estimated that about 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. The exact reason for shingles is unclear. The condition may occur due to lowered immunity. As people get older, their immunity capacity may reduce due to infections. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. People who developed chickenpox may also develop shingles. Age, cancer treatments and usage of certain medications can increase the risk of developing shingles. About half the cases occur in people over the age of 50 who have weakened immune systems.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and ICD-10 Codes
Generally, shingles symptoms affect only a small section on one side of the body. Pain is the first symptom of shingles. For some people, the pain can be severe and can occur even without developing the rash. Depending on the location of the pain, it can sometimes be mistaken for problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys. Symptoms include –
- Pain, burning or tingling
- Sensitivity to touch
- Sensitivity to light
- Itching
- Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
- Fever and headache
- A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
Diagnosis of shingles is based on the history of pain on one side of the body, along with rash and blisters. Health care providers may also take a tissue sample or culture of the blisters for detailed laboratory analysis. There is no specific cure for shingles, but there are treatments for managing the symptoms. Early treatment with prescription antiviral drugs may help speed up the healing process and reduce risk of further complications. If left untreated, the condition can lead to complications like postherpetic neuralgia, severe skin infections, vision loss, and other neurological problems.
Dermatology medical billing and coding can be complex. Dermatologists or other specialists diagnosing and treating patients suffering from shingles are reimbursed for their services. ICD-10 codes used to indicate a diagnosis of shingles include –
- B02 Zoster [herpes zoster]
- B02.0 Zoster encephalitis
- B02.1 Zoster meningitis
- B02.2 Zoster with other nervous system involvement
- B02.21 Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis
- B02.22 Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia
- B02.23 Postherpetic polyneuropathy
- B02.24 Postherpetic myelitis
- B02.29 Other postherpetic nervous system involvement
- B02.3 Zoster ocular disease
- B02.30 … … unspecified
- B02.31 Zoster conjunctivitis
- B02.32 Zoster iridocyclitis
- B02.33 Zoster keratitis
- B02.34 Zoster scleritis
- B02.39 Other herpes zoster eye disease
- B02.7 Disseminated zoster
- B02.8 Zoster with other complications
- B02.9 Zoster without complications
Reporting and documenting dermatology conditions correctly on medical claims can be challenging. Outsourced medical billing services can help physicians ensure correct billing and coding. Expert coders can correctly assign the right medical codes for the documented condition, supporting timely billing and claims submission.