The ICD-10-CM code B08.4, officially titled “Enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthem,” is a critical diagnosis code used in medical billing and coding. This specific code is used to denote cases of enteroviral vesicular stomatitis accompanied by an exanthem, more commonly known as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Understanding the specifics of the B08.4 Diagnosis is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially when dealing with pediatric patients.
Decoding ICD-10-CM Code B08.4
Within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), B08.4 is classified as a billable and specific code. This means it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes in medical claims. The code’s 2025 edition became effective on October 1, 2024, and it’s important to note that this is the American version; international versions of ICD-10 B08.4 may have variations.
This diagnosis code is directly applicable to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. It falls under the broader category of “Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions,” but B08.4 specifically pinpoints the enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthem.
Clinical Relevance of B08.4: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Clinically, a b08.4 diagnosis points to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, a mild but highly contagious viral illness predominantly affecting young children. The disease is characterized by distinctive vesicular lesions. These lesions typically appear in the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet, hence the name.
The primary causative agents for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease are coxsackieviruses, particularly coxsackievirus A. Recognizing the symptoms and accurately assigning the b08.4 diagnosis is key for appropriate patient management and preventing further spread of this contagious condition, especially in environments like schools and daycare centers.
B08.4 in Medical Coding and Reimbursement
For medical coders and billers, the b08.4 diagnosis is essential for accurate claim submissions. Since B08.4 is a billable code, it directly facilitates the reimbursement process for healthcare services provided for patients with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. It’s also categorized within Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG v42.0), which further influences reimbursement calculations within hospital settings.
The code has been consistently used since its introduction in the 2016 ICD-10-CM update, with no changes through the 2025 edition. This stability highlights its established role in the medical coding system for identifying and classifying cases of enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthem. For historical coding context, resources are available to Convert B08.4 to ICD-9-CM, although ICD-10-CM is the current standard for services from October 1, 2015, onwards.
