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  3. A00–B99
  4. B65-B83
  5. Onchocerciasis (B73)

Onchocerciasis (B73)

ICD-10 code B73 identifies onchocerciasis, a parasitic infection caused by the Onchocerca worm. These codes specifically capture whether the infection affects the eyes or not, helping accurately classify the condition's severity and presentation.

The ICD-10 code for onchocerciasis includes distinctions for eye involvement: B73.0 covers onchocerciasis with eye disease, including subcodes like B73.00 for unspecified eye involvement (also known as ocular onchocerciasis), B73.01 for endophthalmitis related to the infection, and B73.02 for glaucoma caused by Onchocerca volvulus, sometimes called glaucoma following ocular onchocerciasis. Other eye complications are captured under B73.09, with synonyms including onchocerca chorioretinitis or parasitic chorioretinitis. When the infection does not involve the eyes, B73.1 is used, which includes various skin manifestations such as onchodermatitis and subcutaneous nodules. These distinctions help healthcare providers document and bill cases precisely according to the infection’s specific clinical features.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • onchocerca volvulus infection
  • onchocercosis
  • river blindness

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Onchocerciasis

Infection with nematodes of the genus ONCHOCERCA. Characteristics include the presence of firm subcutaneous nodules filled with adult worms, PRURITUS, and ocular lesions.

Onchocerciasis, Ocular

Filarial infection of the eyes transmitted from person to person by bites of Onchocerca volvulus-infected black flies. The microfilariae of Onchocerca are thus deposited beneath the skin. They migrate through various tissues including the eye. Those persons infected have impaired vision and up to 20% are blind. The incidence of eye lesions has been reported to be as high as 30% in Central America and parts of Africa.