What B66 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code B66 identifies Other fluke infections in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases chapter (A00–B99), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply B66 when an encounter's findings match the Other fluke infections description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify B66 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for B66 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
B66 refers to Other fluke infections, a group of helminthic infections caused by parasitic worms such as flukes, tapeworms, and roundworms. These conditions are more prevalent in regions with poor sanitation and may cause a wide range of symptoms, from gastrointestinal discomfort to severe organ damage. Proper ICD10 coding helps ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and global tracking of these diseases.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain – Common in most intestinal helminth infections
- Diarrhea or constipation – Varies by species and infection site
- Weight loss – Especially in chronic infestations
- Fatigue – Caused by nutritional deficiencies or immune response
- Skin irritation or itching – Seen in certain fluke or filarial infections
- Visible worms – May be present in stool or around the anus (e.g., enterobiasis)
- Neurological symptoms – Possible in severe cases like neurocysticercosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Other fluke infections involves stool sample analysis for eggs or larvae, serologic tests, imaging for tissue infections, and occasionally biopsy. Some conditions may require blood smears or antigen detection. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for choosing the appropriate antiparasitic medication and preventing complications.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code B66 is used in clinical documentation, insurance billing, and global disease reporting. It enables accurate identification of helminthic diseases in patient records and supports public health efforts to control parasitic infections. Standardized coding also facilitates research, drug distribution, and healthcare planning in endemic regions.
Related Codes
- B65 – Schistosomiasis [bilharziasis]
- B67 – Echinococcosis
- B68 – Taeniasis
- B69 – Cysticercosis
- B70 – Diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis
- B71 – Other cestode infections
- B72 – Dracunculiasis
- B73 – Onchocerciasis
- B74 – Filariasis
- B75 – Trichinellosis
- B76 – Hookworm diseases
- B77 – Ascariasis
- B78 – Strongyloidiasis
- B79 – Trichuriasis
- B80 – Enterobiasis
- B81 – Other intestinal helminthiases, not elsewhere classified
- B82 – Unspecified intestinal parasitism
- B83 – Other helminthiases
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code B66?
A: It refers to Other fluke infections, a parasitic worm infection classified under helminthiases in ICD10.
Q2: How are these infections transmitted?
A: Often through contaminated water, soil, or undercooked food; some via insect bites.
Q3: Are these diseases curable?
A: Yes, most helminth infections can be treated effectively with antiparasitic medications.
Q4: Can they be prevented?
A: Yes, through improved hygiene, sanitation, proper food handling, and vector control.
Q5: Are they dangerous?
A: Some can cause severe complications, including organ damage, anemia, and developmental issues in children.
Conclusion
ICD10 code B66 plays an essential role in identifying and managing Other fluke infections. Accurate documentation supports effective treatment, disease tracking, and public health interventions, especially in regions with high helminthic disease burdens. Proper coding ensures better patient outcomes and stronger global disease surveillance.