2025 ICD-10-CM code B94.1
Sequelae of viral encephalitis:This code describes the long-term effects or after-effects that occur as a result of viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. These after-effects can manifest various neurological symptoms.
Medical necessity for services related to the sequelae of viral encephalitis is established by documenting the functional limitations and disabilities resulting from the after-effects of the infection. This documentation should demonstrate the need for specific interventions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, or psychological counseling, to address the patient's impairments and improve their quality of life.
The diagnosis and management of sequelae of viral encephalitis often involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, infectious disease specialists, physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists, depending on the specific manifestations of the sequelae.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- B94 Sequelae of other and unspecified infectious and parasitic diseases
In simple words: This code indicates that the patient is experiencing the after-effects of having had viral encephalitis, which is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain. These after-effects can include things like problems with memory, movement, senses, or behavior.
The code B94.1 represents the residual effects or after-effects that remain after the acute phase of viral encephalitis has resolved. These sequelae can vary greatly in severity and manifestation, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe neurological deficits. Viral encephalitis itself is an acute inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by a viral infection.The sequelae are the lingering effects of this inflammation and can persist for months, years, or even be permanent. They can include cognitive difficulties (such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and language impairment), motor problems (such as weakness, paralysis, and tremors), sensory disturbances (such as vision or hearing problems), and emotional or behavioral changes.
Example 1: A patient presents with persistent memory problems and difficulty concentrating several months after recovering from a confirmed case of viral encephalitis. Neuropsychological testing reveals cognitive deficits consistent with the sequelae of the infection. Code B94.1 is used to document these long-term cognitive effects., A child experiences seizures and motor weakness several years after having viral encephalitis. After a thorough neurological evaluation, the deficits are attributed to the prior infection. Code B94.1 is assigned to indicate the sequelae of viral encephalitis manifesting as seizures and motor weakness., An adult patient develops personality changes and emotional lability following a bout of viral encephalitis. Psychiatric evaluation determines that these behavioral changes are a direct consequence of the brain inflammation caused by the infection. Code B94.1 is used to document these long-term behavioral and emotional after-effects.
Documentation should include a history of confirmed viral encephalitis, details about the specific sequelae being experienced by the patient (e.g., cognitive deficits, motor impairments, sensory disturbances, behavioral changes), and the results of relevant diagnostic tests and evaluations that support the diagnosis of the sequelae.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, Infectious Disease, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office, Skilled Nursing Facility, Rehabilitation Facility