2025 ICD-10-CM code A08.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and Parasitic Diseases - Intestinal infectious diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Viral intestinal infection, unspecified. This code is used when the specific viral cause of the intestinal infection is not identified.
Medical necessity for this diagnosis is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with viral gastroenteritis. The documentation must support the diagnosis and the need for any medical intervention, such as rehydration therapy or other supportive care.
Clinicians diagnose this condition based on symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever, etc.), patient history, and physical exam. Lab tests of stool samples can help detect the virus. Treatment focuses on rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Preventive measures, like handwashing and vaccination, may also be discussed.
In simple words: This code refers to a general viral infection of the gut, where the exact virus isn't known. It covers conditions like viral enteritis, gastroenteritis, and gastroenteropathy when a specific virus hasn't been identified.
A viral infection of the intestines where the specific virus causing the infection is not identified. Includes: Viral enteritis NOS, Viral gastroenteritis NOS, and Viral gastroenteropathy NOS. Excludes: Influenza with involvement of gastrointestinal tract (J09.X3, J10.2, J11.2).
Example 1: A patient presents with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The physician suspects a viral intestinal infection but does not order specific tests to confirm the viral agent, so A08.4 is used., A child experiences several days of watery diarrhea after attending a picnic.The symptoms resolve without specific treatment, and no testing is performed to identify a causative organism. The diagnosis of viral intestinal infection, unspecified (A08.4) is documented., A patient develops gastroenteritis symptoms during a cruise. The ship's medical staff treats the symptoms, but no specific diagnostic testing is available. The diagnosis is documented as viral intestinal infection NOS (A08.4).
Documentation should include signs and symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Details about the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as any associated findings like fever or dehydration, should also be noted.If any diagnostic tests are performed, their results should be included. If the specific virus is later identified, the code should be updated accordingly.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Home, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility