Pediculosis and phthiriasis (B85)

The ICD-10 code section B85 covers pediculosis and phthiriasis, which are infestations caused by different kinds of lice. These codes are used to classify and document various lice-related conditions affecting the human body.

This section includes codes for specific louse infestations such as B85.0 for Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice, also called pediculosis capitis), B85.1 for Pediculus humanus corporis (body lice, linked to skin conditions like maculae ceruleae), and B85.3 for Phthirus pubis (pubic lice, known as phthiriasis). There is also B85.2 for unspecified lice infestations and B85.4 for mixed infestations involving both pediculosis and phthiriasis. Recognizing these terms; like infestation by Pediculus or Phthirus lice, louse infestation, pediculosis capitis, or parasitic melanoderma; helps medical coders accurately select the appropriate ICD-10 code for patient records, treatment billing, and epidemiological tracking. Using these codes ensures precise documentation of lice-related dermatoses and supports effective healthcare management.