HIV ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

Learn about ICD-10 codes used for HIV diagnosis and treatment. Understand the classification system and find relevant codes for accurate medical documentation.

By Liliana Braun on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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HIV ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for HIV? 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) is a widely used coding system for classifying diseases and medical conditions. Here are some commonly used ICD-10 codes for HIV, along with their clinical descriptions:

B20 - HIV Disease:

This code indicates the presence of HIV infection without any specific manifestations or symptoms of AIDS.

Z21 - Asymptomatic HIV Infection Status:

This code is used when an individual is known to be infected with HIV but does not exhibit any symptoms or complications related to the infection.

Z20.6 - Contact with and (suspected) exposure to HIV:

This code indicates situations where a person has had contact with or is suspected of being exposed to HIV, but the infection status is not confirmed.

Z11.4 - Encounter for screening for HIV:

This code is used when an individual undergoes a screening test for HIV infection, regardless of the result.

B20.1 - HIV Disease Resulting in Encephalopathy:

This code is used when an individual has HIV infection with associated encephalopathy, a condition characterized by impaired brain function.

B24 - Unspecified HIV Disease:

This code is used when the specific type or stage of HIV disease is not documented or not known.

B20.2 - HIV Disease Resulting in Cytomegaloviral Disease:

This code is used when an individual has an HIV infection with associated cytomegaloviral (CMV) disease. CMV is a common opportunistic infection in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Z20.2 - Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viruses with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission:

This code indicates contact or suspected exposure to sexually transmitted viruses, including HIV.

B21 - HIV Disease Resulting in Malignant Neoplasms:

This code is used when an individual has HIV infection with associated malignant neoplasms, such as AIDS-related cancers.

Which HIV ICD codes are Billable?

B20 - HIV Disease:

Yes, this code is billable because it represents the diagnosis of HIV disease. It indicates that the patient has a confirmed HIV infection.

Z21 - Asymptomatic HIV Infection Status:

This code is billable as it indicates the patient's HIV infection status, even if they do not have any symptoms or complications related to the infection.

Z20.6 - Contact with and (suspected) exposure to HIV:

This code is not billable as it represents a situation where contact or suspected exposure to HIV has occurred. It does not indicate an actual diagnosis of HIV infection.

Z11.4 - Encounter for screening for HIV:

This code is billable as it represents an encounter for screening for HIV infection, regardless of the test result.

B20.1 - HIV Disease Resulting in Encephalopathy:

Yes, this code is billable as it indicates the presence of HIV infection with associated encephalopathy, a documented complication of HIV disease.

B24 - Unspecified HIV Disease:

This code is billable as it represents a diagnosis of HIV disease, even though the specific type or stage is not specified.

B20.2 - HIV Disease Resulting in Cytomegaloviral Disease:

This code is billable as it represents HIV infection with associated cytomegaloviral (CMV) disease, which is a documented complication of HIV disease.

Z20.2 - Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viruses with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission:

This code is not billable as it represents a contact or suspected exposure to sexually transmitted viruses, including HIV. It does not indicate an actual diagnosis of HIV infection.

B21 - HIV Disease Resulting in Malignant Neoplasms:

This code is billable, representing HIV infection with associated malignant neoplasms, such as AIDS-related cancers.

Clinical Information

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a serious viral infection affecting millions worldwide. It primarily targets the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, essential for fighting infections. Here is some critical clinical information regarding HIV:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), crucial for fighting infections and diseases.
  • HIV can be transmitted through various routes, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding, and exposure to infected blood.
  • HIV infection progresses in stages: Acute HIV infection, clinical latency (chronic HIV infection), and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). During the acute HIV infection stage, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, may occur. However, some individuals may not experience any symptoms. In the clinical latency stage, HIV replicates at a lower level, and individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms for several years. However, the virus is still active and can be transmitted to others.
  • Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, characterized by severe immune system damage and the increased risk of opportunistic infections and certain cancers. 
  • Common symptoms of AIDS include persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, rapid weight loss, recurring infections, night sweats, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • HIV can be diagnosed through specific blood tests that detect HIV antibodies or viral genetic material (RNA/DNA) in the blood.
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV. It involves a combination of medications that suppress viral replication, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the patient's immune function.

Synonyms Include:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Human Retrovirus
  • Retrovirus Infection
  • HTLV-III (Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type III)
  • LAV (Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus)
  • HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1)
  • HIV-2 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2)
  • AIDS Virus (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus)
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Commonly asked questions

What are the stages of HIV infection?

HIV infection progresses through stages:

  • Acute HIV infection: Initial stage, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
  • Clinical latency: The virus is still active but reproduces at a lower level, and individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms.
  • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): Severe immune system damage increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
How can HIV transmission be prevented?

HIV transmission can be prevented by practicing safe sex, using barrier methods like condoms, avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia and getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is also available for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is the initial infection, while AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune system damage and the development of opportunistic infections or certain cancers.

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