Codes for Special Purposes (U00–U85) ICD-10-CM
Chapter 22 of the ICD-10-CM classification spans codes U00–U49 and contains 5 diagnosis codes for codes for special purposes, of which 3 are billable. The chapter is organized into 1 sections listed below, each linking to its code ranges and individual codes.
Chapter Coding Notes
Note: The codes within Chapter XXII of ICD-10 are produced by the World Health Organization are used for special purposes, and in specific circumstances.
Sections in This Chapter 1 ranges · 5 codes
| Code Range | Title | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| U00–U49 | Provisional assignment of new diseases of uncertain etiology or emergency use (U00-U49) | 5 | 3 |
The info icon previews the code ranges inside each row and its instructional notations from the official Tabular List.
About Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of the ICD-10-CM covers codes created for special purposes, primarily identified within the U00–U85 range. These codes are reserved for unique uses such as identifying new diseases, unusual cases, and certain public health concerns that don't fit into standard categories.
The codes in this chapter include those assigned to emerging infections like novel viruses, bioterrorism agents, and other extraordinary health events requiring precise tracking. They also cover instances of health hazards or conditions not yet classified elsewhere, making this chapter essential for public health surveillance and reporting. Medical coders and healthcare providers use these codes to document and monitor unusual or newly identified health issues that fall outside typical diagnostic categories, ensuring proper classification during outbreaks, emergencies, or when new diseases arise.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the U00-U49 range?
The U00-U49 range contains 5 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes in FY 2026. 3 of them are billable, and the rest are category headers that organize the chapter.
What conditions does U00-U49 cover?
The range covers codes for special purposes. The sections listed above break it into groups of related conditions, and each one links to its own page with the full code list.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
