HIV ICD-10-CM Codes

HIV ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn the correct HIV ICD-10-CM codes for accurate documentation, diagnosis, and billing.

By Audrey Liz Perez on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

Use Code

What ICD-10 codes are used for HIV? 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of the disease.

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

Use this code when the patient has a symptomatic HIV infection or AIDS, typically accompanied by conditions such as opportunistic infections, malignant neoplasms, or HIV-related neurological disorders.

Z21 - Asymptomatic HIV infection status

Apply this code when a patient is confirmed HIV-positive but does not show symptoms or develop AIDS-related complications.

R75 – Inconclusive laboratory evidence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]

Use this only when HIV test results are unclear and further confirmation is pending. This is a non-billable code and should not be used as a final diagnosis.

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

This code indicates situations where a person has had a possible exposure to HIV, such as through needlestick injury, unprotected sex, or childbirth, and is undergoing observation or preventive care.

Which HIV ICD codes are billable?

  • B20 – Billable
  • Z21 – Billable
  • R75 – Not billable (not specific; further testing required)
  • Z20.6 – Billable

Clinical information

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, weakening the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. As the virus progresses, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV.

Here is some critical clinical information regarding HIV:

  • 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.
  • Common symptoms of AIDS include persistent fever, headache, sore throat, 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.
  • HIV develops in three stages: acute infection, clinical latency, and AIDS. In the acute stage, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. During the clinical latency stage, the virus remains active but reproduces at low levels, many individuals show no symptoms.
  • Two main documentation categories include: HIV infection symptomatic: When the patient has AIDS-defining conditions or other HIV-related manifestations (e.g., opportunistic infections, cancers); Asymptomatic HIV status: When the patient is HIV positive but has no current symptoms.

Healthcare providers must accurately describe the HIV status whether the condition is symptomatic, asymptomatic, or under observation due to suspected exposure. These distinctions are critical for correct medical diagnosis, insurance billing, and public health statistics.

Synonyms include:

  • AIDS
  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
  • ARC (AIDS-related complex)
  • HIV infection
  • HIV positive
  • Symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus
  • Immune deficiency syndrome AIDS
  • HIV-related condition
  • Immunodeficiency virus HIV disease
  • Asymptomatic HIV infection status

Related ICD-10 codes

You may also use these additional or manifestation codes when applicable:

  • B59 – Pneumocystis
  • G63 – Polyneuropathy in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere
  • F02.80 – Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified severity, without behavioral disturbance, psychotic disturbance, mood disturbance, and anxiety

Commonly asked questions

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.
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Severe immune system damage increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

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.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. 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.

Related ICDs

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