ICD-10-CM Code B99

Other and unspecified infectious diseases

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: A00–B99
  3. Section: B99
  4. Block: B99
  5. B99 - Other and unspecified infectious diseases
Version 2020 Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

B99 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other and unspecified infectious diseases. The code is NOT valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:B99
Short Description:Other and unspecified infectious diseases
Long Description:Other and unspecified infectious diseases

Consider the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity:

  • B99.8 - Other infectious disease
  • B99.9 - Unspecified infectious disease

Index to Diseases and Injuries

The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10 code(s). The following references for the code B99 are found in the index:


Code Classification

  • Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00–B99)
    • Other infectious diseases (B99)
      • Other and unspecified infectious diseases (B99)

Code History

  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016
    (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

Information for Patients


Infectious Diseases

Germs, or microbes, are found everywhere - in the air, soil, and water. There are also germs on your skin and in your body. Many of them are harmless, and some can even be helpful. But some of them can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs.

There are many different ways that you can get an infectious disease:

  • Through direct contact with a person who is sick. This includes kissing, touching, sneezing, coughing, and sexual contact. Pregnant mothers can also pass some germs along to their babies.
  • Through indirect contact, when you touch something that has germs on it. For example, you could get germs if someone who is sick touched a door handle, and then you touch it.
  • Through insect or animal bites
  • Through contaminated food, water, soil, or plants

There are four main kinds of germs:

  • Bacteria - one-celled germs that multiply quickly. They may give off toxins, which are harmful chemicals that can make you sick. Strep throat and urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections.
  • Viruses - tiny capsules that contain genetic material. They invade your cells so that they can multiply. This can kill, damage, or change the cells and make you sick. Viral infections include HIV/AIDS and the common cold.
  • Fungi - primitive plant-like organisms such as mushrooms, mold, mildew, and yeasts. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection.
  • Parasites - animals or plants that survive by living on or in other living things. Malaria is an infection caused by a parasite.

Infectious diseases can cause many different symptoms. Some are so mild that you may not even notice any symptoms, while others can be life-threatening. There are treatments for some infectious diseases, but for others, such as some viruses, you can only treat your symptoms. You can take steps to prevent many infectious diseases:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Wash your hands often
  • Pay attention to food safety
  • Avoid contact with wild animals
  • Practice safe sex
  • Don't share items such as toothbrushes, combs, and straws

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Previous Code: B97.89

Related Codes

Next Code: B99.8