Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium known to cause various gastrointestinal diseases. In medical coding and diagnosis, the Diagnosis Code For H Pylori, specifically ICD-10-CM code B96.81, plays a crucial role. This code is used when H. pylori is identified as the underlying cause of diseases classified elsewhere in the ICD-10-CM system.
ICD-10-CM code B96.81, officially titled “Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere,” is a billable and specific code. This means it’s valid for medical billing and accurately pinpoints the diagnosis. The code’s description clearly indicates its purpose: to denote instances where H. pylori is the causative agent of a condition that is primarily categorized under a different ICD-10-CM code. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including B96.81, became effective on October 1, 2024, highlighting its current relevance in medical coding. It is important to note that this is the American ICD-10-CM version, and international versions might have variations.
Several synonyms and related terms are associated with diagnosis code B96.81, providing a broader understanding of its application. These approximate synonyms include:
- Gastric ulcer due to h pylori
- Gastritis, helicobacter pylori
- Helicobacter pylori gastrointestinal tract infection
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Helicobacter-associated gastritis
- Helicobacter-associated pyloric ulcer
- Helicobactor pylori gastritis with hemorrhage
- Hemorrhagic gastritis due to helicobacter pylori
- Pyloric ulcer associated with helicobactor pylori
The code B96.81 falls under Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v42.0). Looking at its code history, B96.81 was introduced in 2016 and has remained unchanged through the 2025 edition, indicating its established and consistent use within the ICD-10-CM system. It is positioned within a series of codes (B96.21 to B96.89) that specify various bacterial agents as causes of diseases classified elsewhere, emphasizing its role in identifying bacterial infections contributing to other medical conditions.
For reimbursement claims with service dates on or after October 1, 2015, using ICD-10-CM codes like B96.81 is mandatory. This diagnosis code is essential for accurate medical billing and record-keeping when H. pylori is determined to be the root cause of a patient’s ailment. Understanding and correctly applying the diagnosis code for H pylori B96.81 is therefore vital for healthcare professionals in coding, billing, and diagnostics.
