Internal Medicine Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Select 079.99 or 079.89 for Diagnosis "Viral Syndrome"

Question: Our internist often uses the phrase "viral syndrome" to describe a patient's symptoms that might include headaches, sore joints, diarrhea, congestion, and others in any combination. What's the best diagnosis?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: The most accurate choice is 079.99 (Unspecified viral and chlamydial infections; unspecified viral infection). Another  option when you have more details could be 079.89 (Other specified viral and chlamydial infections; other specified viral infection). As you noted, these diagnoses can apply to a range of symptoms that your physician determines are related to a viral illness but doesn't document as single viral condition.

Other Articles in this issue of

Internal Medicine Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.