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B20
ICD-10-CM
AIDS

Find comprehensive information on AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and HIV Disease. This resource covers essential aspects of AIDS diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD codes, healthcare guidelines, and HIV testing. Learn about the stages of HIV infection, treatment options, and preventative measures. Access valuable resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers seeking reliable information on AIDS and HIV management.

Also known as

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HIV Disease

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Late stage HIV infection severely weakening the immune system, increasing risk of opportunistic infections and cancers.
  • Clinical Signs : Frequent infections, rapid weight loss, persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, diarrhea.
  • Common Settings : HIV clinics, infectious disease departments, primary care settings, hospitals.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC B20 Coding
B20-B24

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

Covers various stages of HIV infection, including AIDS.

B25-B27

Cytomegaloviral disease

Opportunistic infections common in immunocompromised individuals, including those with AIDS.

B35-B49

Mycoses

Fungal infections that can be opportunistic and severe in AIDS patients.

R75

Abnormal immunological function, unspecified

May be used for unspecified immune deficiencies related to or impacting HIV/AIDS diagnosis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the HIV infection confirmed?

  • Yes

    Does the patient meet AIDS defining criteria?

  • No

    Do not code HIV or AIDS. Code signs/symptoms or suspected condition.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Advanced HIV infection causing severe immune deficiency.
HIV infection not progressed to AIDS. Immune system may be weakened.
Initial stage of HIV, often asymptomatic. Highly infectious.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • AIDS diagnosis documentation checklist:
  • 1. Confirm HIV infection status (e.g., positive antibody/antigen test).
  • 2. Document CD4 count or percentage, if available.
  • 3. Specify any AIDS-defining illnesses (e.g., opportunistic infections).
  • 4. Record current treatment regimen (e.g., ART medications).
  • Keywords: AIDS, HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Disease, diagnosis, documentation, medical coding, opportunistic infections, CD4 count, antiretroviral therapy, ART

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified HIV Stage

    Coding AIDS without specifying stage (e.g., B20 vs B24) leads to inaccurate severity reflection and reimbursement.

  • HIV vs AIDS Misdiagnosis

    Incorrectly coding HIV infection (B20) as AIDS (B24) or vice versa can impact quality reporting and care plans.

  • Opportunistic Infection Coding

    Failing to code related opportunistic infections alongside AIDS can underestimate patient complexity and resource utilization.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • HIV testing ICD-10 Z11.4, early ART initiation for AIDS Z21
  • CDI: Document opportunistic infections, ART adherence, CD4 count
  • Monitor viral load, adhere to CDC guidelines for HIV prevention
  • Healthcare compliance: Ensure patient confidentiality, informed consent
  • ICD-10 B20: Document HIV-related malignancies, code comorbidities

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm HIV infection via serology/molecular testing (ICD-10: B20)
  • CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 or AIDS-defining illness present (SNOMED: 36330001)
  • Document opportunistic infections or malignancies (ICD-10: B20.2, B20.3)
  • Review patient history for risk factors (e.g., unprotected sex, IV drug use)
  • Assess for and manage related complications (e.g., infections, malignancies)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • AIDS Diagnosis Reimbursement: ICD-10-CM B20, impacts DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for AIDS: HIV stage, opportunistic infections affect reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics for AIDS: Timely ART initiation, viral load suppression impact hospital reporting.
  • AIDS patient care: Resource utilization, length of stay influence value-based reimbursements.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most recent CDC guidelines for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition in adolescents and young adults, and how can clinicians effectively implement these recommendations in a busy practice?

A: The CDC's updated clinical practice guidelines for PrEP emphasize individualized risk assessment and shared decision-making with adolescents and young adults. These guidelines recommend offering PrEP to individuals with behavioral risk factors such as inconsistent condom use or having partners with known HIV. Clinicians can effectively implement these recommendations by incorporating routine sexual health assessments into primary care visits, utilizing validated risk assessment tools, and streamlining the PrEP prescription and monitoring process. Consider implementing a standardized PrEP workflow within your electronic health record system to facilitate efficient patient management and improve adherence. Explore how point-of-care testing and telehealth strategies can enhance access to PrEP services, especially for those in underserved communities. Learn more about the CDC's PrEP resources for clinicians to stay updated on the latest recommendations and best practices.

Q: How can clinicians differentiate between acute HIV infection and other common viral syndromes, considering the overlapping symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis for effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation?

A: Acute HIV infection, also known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), often mimics other common viral illnesses like influenza or mononucleosis, making clinical diagnosis challenging. Key features that may suggest acute HIV include fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, rash, myalgia, and fatigue. However, these symptoms are non-specific. A high index of suspicion is crucial, particularly in patients with known risk factors. Rapid HIV testing should be performed in any patient presenting with compatible symptoms and a recent exposure history. If the initial rapid test is negative, and acute HIV is still suspected based on clinical presentation and risk assessment, a follow-up HIV RNA test is recommended. Early diagnosis is critical as immediate initiation of ART during acute HIV infection has shown significant benefits in preserving immune function and reducing long-term morbidity. Learn more about the clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for acute HIV infection to improve early detection and treatment.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code B20 for HIV, not AIDs
  • AIDS requires documented HIV
  • Specify stage with B20 codes
  • Document opportunistic infections
  • Query physician for clarity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), also known as HIV disease.  The patient's chief complaint includes [specific chief complaint, e.g., persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, recurrent infections].  Review of systems reveals [list pertinent positive and negative findings, e.g., fatigue, night sweats, lymphadenopathy, oral thrush, Kaposi's sarcoma].  Past medical history includes [relevant past diagnoses, e.g., HIV infection, opportunistic infections].  Current medications include [list current medications, including antiretroviral therapy if applicable].  Physical examination findings include [document specific findings, e.g., decreased breath sounds, palpable lymph nodes, skin lesions].  Laboratory results show [include CD4 count, HIV viral load, and other relevant lab values].  Based on the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and meeting the CDC diagnostic criteria for AIDS (CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3 or presence of AIDS-defining illness), the diagnosis of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is confirmed.  Differential diagnoses considered include [list relevant differential diagnoses, e.g., other immunodeficiency disorders, malignancies].  Plan of care includes initiating/continuing antiretroviral therapy (ART),  prophylaxis for opportunistic infections as indicated, nutritional counseling, and close monitoring of CD4 count and HIV viral load.  Patient education provided regarding disease management, medication adherence, and importance of follow-up appointments.  ICD-10 code B20 assigned.  Referral to infectious disease specialist recommended for ongoing HIV care management.
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