Is ICD-10-CM code B56 billable?

No, B56 (African trypanosomiasis) 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 B56 belong to?

B56 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

B56Not billable, use a more specific code below

African trypanosomiasis

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

3 billable codes under B56: all 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

Also applies, from Protozoal diseases (B50-B64)

These notes sit on B50-B64 and apply to every code under it, including B56.

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 B56

B56 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

B56 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 3 billable codes under B56 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 B56

Notes on these codes point to B56.

F02 Code First: trypanosomiasis (B56.-, B57.-)
G02 Code First: African trypanosomiasis (B56.-)

About the condition

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

Parasitic Diseases

Parasites are living things that use other living things - like your body - for food and a place to live. You can get them from contaminated food or water, a bug bite, or sexual contact. Some parasitic diseases are easily treated and some are not.

Code history

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