Is ICD-10-CM code A08 billable?

No, A08 (Viral and other specified intestinal infections) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code A08 belong to?

A08 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

A08Not billable, use a more specific code below

Viral and other specified intestinal infections

In Intestinal infectious diseases (A00-A09), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

9 billable codes under A08: 7 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

influenza with involvement of gastrointestinal tract (J09.X3, J10.2, J11.2)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding infections and parasitic diseases, including HIV, organism and drug resistance codes, sepsis and septic shock, MRSA, Zika, and COVID-19.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections (page 19)
Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters (page 22)
Infections resistant to antibiotics (page 22)
Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock (page 23)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Conditions (page 27)
Zika virus infections (page 28)
Coronavirus infections (page 28)

Read Section I.C.1 (page 19)

All codes under A08

A08 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

A08 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 9 billable codes under A08 group to MS-DRG 391 or 392 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to A08

Notes on these codes point to A08.

J09.X3 Excludes1: 'intestinal flu' [viral gastroenteritis] (A08.-)
J10.2 Excludes1: 'intestinal flu' [viral gastroenteritis] (A08.-)
J11.2 Excludes1: 'intestinal flu' [viral gastroenteritis] (A08.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually not serious in healthy people, but it can sometimes lead to dehydration or cause severe symptoms.

Viral Infections

Viruses are very tiny germs. They are made of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) inside of a protein coating. There are a huge number of viruses on earth. Only a small number of them can infect humans. Those viruses can infect our cells, which may cause disease. Some of the diseases that viruses can cause include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and HIV.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.