Is ICD-10-CM code B50 billable?

No, B50 (Plasmodium falciparum malaria) 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 B50 belong to?

B50 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

B50Not billable, use a more specific code below

Plasmodium falciparum malaria

In Protozoal diseases (B50-B64), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

3 billable codes under B50: 1 is an MCC, 2 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

Includes: conditions that are coded here

mixed infections of Plasmodium falciparum with any other Plasmodium species

Also applies, from Protozoal diseases (B50-B64)

These notes sit on B50-B64 and apply to every code under it, including B50.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

amebiasis (A06.-)
other protozoal intestinal diseases (A07.-)

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 B50

B50 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

B50 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 3 billable codes under B50 group to MS-DRG 867, 868, or 869 (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 B50

Notes on these codes point to B50.

B51 Excludes1: plasmodium vivax with Plasmodium falciparum (B50.-)
B52 Excludes1: Plasmodium falciparum (B50.-)
B53.0 Excludes1: Plasmodium ovale with Plasmodium falciparum (B50.-)
B53.1 Excludes1: Malaria due to simian plasmodia with Plasmodium falciparum (B50.-)
J82 Excludes2: pulmonary eosinophilia due to specified parasitic infection (B50-B83)
O98.6 Includes: Conditions in B50-B64

About the condition

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

Malaria

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite. You get it when an infected mosquito bites you. Malaria is a major cause of death worldwide, but it is almost wiped out in the United States. The disease is mostly a problem in developing countries with warm climates. If you travel to these countries, you are at risk. There are four different types of malaria caused by four related parasites. The most deadly type occurs in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

Code history

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