What is the ICD-10 code for history of HIV?

The ICD-10 code for a history of HIV with past related illness is B20. Use Z21 for asymptomatic HIV without any history of related illness.

When should B20 be used instead of Z21?

B20 is used when there is any history of HIV-related illness, while Z21 is for asymptomatic cases without such history.

ICD-10 Coding for History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus(B20, O98.7)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for history of HIV, including when to use B20 vs. Z21, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of HIVHIV Positive Status

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

A00-B99Primary Range

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
B20	Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease	Use when there is a history of HIV-related illness, regardless of current symptoms.	CD4 count <200 cells/mm³ History of opportunistic infections
Z21	Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection status	Use when the patient is HIV positive but has never had an HIV-related illness.	No history of opportunistic infections

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

B20Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Asymptomatic HIV infection statusZ21

HIV diseaseB20

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Failing to document past HIV-related illnesses.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation

Regularly update patient history., Use standardized templates for documentation.

Using Z21 for a patient with a past HIV-related illness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation

Always use B20 if there is any history of HIV-related illness.

Incorrect use of Z21

Impact

Using Z21 for patients with a history of HIV-related illness.

Mitigation

Educate coders on the importance of historical documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with B20.

Primary Code

B20

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

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ICD-10 codes2

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ICD-10 Coding for History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus(B20, O98.7)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for history of HIV?

When should B20 be used instead of Z21?

Related condition guides