Understanding ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes is crucial in healthcare, especially for accurate medical billing and record-keeping. Among these codes, B08.1 Diagnosis Code specifically points to Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the B08.1 code, its clinical context, and its significance in the medical field.
Understanding ICD-10-CM Code B08.1: Molluscum Contagiosum
The ICD-10-CM code B08.1 is designated as a billable and specific code within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. This means it’s a valid code for diagnostic purposes and can be used for reimbursement claims in the United States. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including B08.1, became effective on October 1, 2024, highlighting the code’s current relevance in medical coding. It’s important to note that B08.1 is the American version; international versions of ICD-10 B08.1 might differ.
Within the ICD-10-CM structure, B08.1 falls under the chapter for “Certain infectious and parasitic diseases” (A00-B99), specifically within the section “Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified” (B00-B09), and the category “Other viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified” (B08). This hierarchical classification helps organize and categorize various diseases and conditions for statistical and epidemiological purposes.
Clinical Significance of Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum, identified by the b08.1 diagnosis code, is described as a common, benign, and typically self-limiting viral infection. It affects the skin and sometimes the conjunctivae (the membrane covering the eye). The infection is caused by a poxvirus known as the Molluscum contagiosum virus. Clinically, it manifests as small, raised, pearly or flesh-colored papules on the skin.
Synonyms for Molluscum contagiosum infection, which all fall under the b08.1 diagnosis code, include “Molluscum contagiosum infection”. Understanding these synonyms helps in recognizing the condition regardless of the terminology used.
The ICD-10-CM system also utilizes annotations to provide further context and guidance. While not explicitly detailed for B08.1 in the provided text, these annotations, such as “Code Also,” “Code First,” “Excludes1,” “Excludes2,” “Includes,” “Note,” and “Use Additional,” are crucial for coders to ensure accurate and complete coding based on the patient’s specific condition and any co-existing conditions.
Context within ICD-10-CM Code Range
To further understand b08.1 diagnosis code, it’s helpful to see its placement amongst related codes. B08.1 is situated between codes for other viral infections affecting the skin. Codes adjacent to B08.1 include:
- B07.9: Viral wart, unspecified
- B08: Other viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions, not elsewhere classified
- B08.0 – B08.09: Various orthopoxvirus infections such as Cowpox, Vaccinia, Orf virus disease, and Pseudocowpox.
- B08.2 – B08.22: Exanthema subitum [sixth disease] due to different human herpesviruses.
- B08.3: Erythema infectiosum [fifth disease]
- B08.4: Enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthem
- B08.5: Enteroviral vesicular pharyngitis
- B08.6 – B08.61: Parapoxvirus infections including Bovine stomatitis.
This list demonstrates that B08.1 is part of a broader classification of viral skin infections, each with its own specific code for accurate diagnosis and reporting.
Conclusion
The b08.1 diagnosis code is a vital tool for medical professionals to accurately classify and document cases of Molluscum contagiosum. Its specificity ensures correct billing and contributes to valuable epidemiological data collection. Understanding the context of B08.1 within the ICD-10-CM system, along with its clinical implications for Molluscum contagiosum, is essential for healthcare providers, medical coders, and anyone involved in medical documentation and reimbursement. Using ICD-10-CM codes like B08.1 correctly is paramount for maintaining efficient and accurate healthcare operations.
