What Are the CPT and ICD-10 Codes to Report Measles Viral Infections?

What are the CPT and ICD-10 Codes to Report Measles Viral Infections?

Measles is a viral infection of the respiratory system. This article lists in detail the symptoms, treatment methods and medical codes for documenting this condition.

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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system caused by the rubeola virus that lives in the mucus of your nose and throat. Generally, the virus can spread through the air and through direct contact with the infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze. People can contract the virus by putting their fingers in the infected person’s mouth or nose or by rubbing their eyes after touching the infected person. In most cases, the rubeola virus can stay active on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours. As the infected particles enter the air and settle on surfaces, anyone within close proximity can become infected. It is estimated that about 90 percent of susceptible people who are exposed to someone with the virus will be infected. Infectious diseases such as measles require adequate and accurate documentation. The medical billing and coding process for measles can be complicated. Physicians can utilize medical billing services for accurate and timely claim filing and appropriate reimbursement.

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), starting from January 2019, 22 states in the United States have reported a total of 704 new cases of measles – out of which more than 500 of the people infected were not vaccinated. It’s the greatest number of cases in a single year in 25 years and represents a huge setback for public health after measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.

People who are at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include infants and children aged less than 5 years, adults above 20 years of age, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems. Serious illnesses or complications that occur due to this condition include diarrhea, ear infection, diarrhea, vomiting, eye infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, bronchitis, laryngitis or croup, difficulty breathing, pregnancy problems and brain damage.

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What Are the Common Symptoms?

Measles signs and symptoms normally appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include  Fever  Dry hacking cough  Runny nose or coryza  Sore throat  Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)  Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek (also called Koplik's spots)  Photophobia or sensitivity to light  Sneezing  A reddish-brown rash  Generalized body ache The symptoms of measles always include fever – that range from mild severe, up to 40.6 degrees centigrade. The fever can last for several days and it may fall and then rise again when the rash appears.

Measles Viral Infections - Stages Generally, the infection occurs in sequential stages spread over a period of two to three weeks. The different stages include –  Infection and incubation – People don’t experience any specific signs and symptoms during this time. For the initial 10-14 days after suffering infection, the measles virus incubates.  Non-specific signs and symptoms – Typically, this infection may begin with a mild fever, accompanied by constant cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. These signs may last two or three days. www.outsourcestrategies.com

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 Acute illness and rash – This stage may begin with small red spots, with spots and bumps. Over the next few days, the rash may spread down the arms and chest, then over the thighs, lower legs and feet. These rashes may also be accompanied with high fever.  Communicable period – An infected person can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

Diagnosing, Treating and Coding Measles Physicians generally diagnose measles by examining skin rashes and checking for symptoms that are characteristic of the disease, such as white spots in the mouth, fever, cough, and sore throat. However, if they are unable to confirm a diagnosis based on their level of observation, they may conduct a blood test to confirm the presence of the rubeola virus.

There's no exact modality for treating measles infection. The virus and symptoms typically disappear within two to three weeks. However, certain measures can be taken to protect individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Physicians may generally recommend –  Over-the-counter medications such as - acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve) to relieve fever and muscle aches that accompany measles  Humidifier to relieve a cough and sore throat  Vitamin A supplements  Drinking plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses of water a day) Coding Measles Medical billing and coding tasks related to infectious diseases can be challenging. The diagnosis, screening tests and other procedures must be carefully documented using the www.outsourcestrategies.com

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relevant CPT codes as well as the ICD-10 codes on the medical claims submitted to health insurers for reimbursement. Medical billing services offered by reputable medical billing and coding companies can help physicians use the right codes for their billing process.

CPT Codes  90705 - Measles virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use  90706 - Rubella virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use  90707 - Measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine (MMR), live, for subcutaneous use  90708 - Measles and rubella virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use  90710 - Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV), live, for subcutaneous use ICD-10 Codes  B05 - Measles  B05.0 - Measles complicated by encephalitis  B05.1 - Measles complicated by meningitis  B05.2 - Measles complicated by pneumonia  B05.3 - Measles complicated by otitis media  B05.4 - Measles with intestinal complications  B05.8 - Measles with other complications  B05.81 - Measles keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis  B05.89 - Other measles complications  B05.9 - Measles without complication Rubella or German measles is classified under category B06 and includes the following codes  B06 - Rubella [German measles] www.outsourcestrategies.com

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 B06.0 - Rubella with neurological complications  B06.00 - Rubella with neurological complication, unspecified  B06.01 - Rubella encephalitis  B06.02 - Rubella meningitis  B06.09 - Other neurological complications of rubella  B06.8 - Rubella with other complications  B06.81 - Rubella pneumonia  B06.82 - Rubella arthritis  B06.89 - Other rubella complications  B06.9 - Rubella without complication Preventing Measles through Vaccinations A person cannot get measles more than once. The risk of complications is higher in children and adults with a weak immune system. Vaccination can help prevent a measles outbreak. The MMR vaccine - a three-in-one vaccination - can protect your children from the measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). The MMR vaccine is only licensed for use in children 12 months through 12 years of age.

The CDC recommends the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (VAR) vaccines, or the combination Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine, for children 1-12 years of age, given in two separate doses - the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. While one dose of MMR vaccine is expected to be 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are approximately 97% effective.

The second dose is administered to address primary vaccine failure. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. Medicare prescription drug plans also cover MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) vaccines.

People who have already had measles are normally immune and they are unlikely to get it again. People who are not immune should seriously consider taking the measles vaccines.

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Medical billing and coding for measles can be complex, as there are several codes associated with the condition. By utilizing medical coding services provided by a reliable medical coding company (that offers the services of AAPC-certified coding specialists), healthcare practices can ensure correct and timely medical billing and claims submission.

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