Medical Coding for Shingles – A Viral Skin Disorder

Medical Coding for Shingles – A Viral Skin Disorder

Summary - Also known as herpes zoster, shingles causes an outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin.

Address, 8596 E. 101st Street, Suite H Tulsa, OK 74133

Shingles is a viral infection that causes an outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin. Also referred to as herpes zoster, the condition is generally caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chicken pox. After chicken pox infection, the virus can remain dormant in the nervous system for years before activating as shingles. The condition can occur in the same person more than once, especially if they have risk factors, but this is uncommon. Though the condition is not life threatening, it can be extremely painful. Early treatment may help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce the chances of further complications. Most cases of shingles clear up within 3 to 5 weeks. Billing and coding for this skin condition can be challenging. Relying on a medical coding company that specializes in dermatology medical billing and coding can help practices ensure error-free, timely claim submission.

Per reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in three people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. Shingles can appear at any age if the person had chicken pox, but the condition is most common after the age of 50.

The exact cause of the condition is unclear and is linked to viral infection. It can also occur due to lowered immunity to infections as people get older.

What Symptoms Cause Shingles?

Typically, shingles appear as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, typically on the torso, neck, or face.Symptoms can vary in nature, depending on where on the body they appear.

Common symptoms include – • • • • • • • • •

A constant pain, burning or tingling Sensitivity to touch A red rash (that begins a few days after the pain) Fatigue Fever Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over Headache Itching Sensitivity to light

In most cases, shingles usually lasts around 2 to 4 weeks. It is contagious until the blisters dry up and crust over.

Diagnosing and Treating Shingles Diagnosis of shingles starts with a physical examination that involves evaluating the appearance of the rash and blisters on the body. In certain cases, blood test may be performedto check for antibodies, which can determine whether a person has ever been exposed to the virus. The physician may collect a tissue sample from the fluid of the blisters and send it to a lab to check if any virus is present. There is no specific cure for shingles. However, early diagnosis and

www.outsourcestrategies.com

(800) 670-2809

treatment may help speed up healing and lower the risk of complications. Treatment involves a combination of medications likeAnticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant), Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, in the form of a cream, gel, spray or skin patch and injections including corticosteroids and local anesthetics.

ICD-10 Codes to Diagnose Shingles • • • • ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ • ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ • • •

B02 Zoster [herpes zoster] B02.0 Zoster encephalitis B02.1 Zoster meningitis B02.2 Zoster with other nervous system involvement B02.21 Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis B02.22 Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia B02.23 Postherpetic polyneuropathy B02.24 Postherpetic myelitis B02.29 Other postherpetic nervous system involvement B02.3 Zoster ocular disease B02.30 …… unspecified B02.31 Zoster conjunctivitis B02.32 Zoster iridocyclitis B02.33 Zoster keratitis B02.34 Zoster scleritis B02.39 Other herpes zoster eye disease B02.7 Disseminated zoster B02.8 Zoster with other complications B02.9 Zoster without complications

Most people suffering from shingles make a full recovery within 3–5 weeks, but some may experience severe complications. Those most at risk are people with a weakened immune system.

Medical billing outsourcing companies that provide dermatology medical billing services have expert certified coding teams that stay up to date with ICD-10 coding guidelines to help physicians file error-free claims for accurate and timely reimbursement.

www.outsourcestrategies.com

(800) 670-2809