Medical Coding: Mononucleosis
Quick Summary:
Mononucleosis (infectious mononucleosis), commonly referred to as “mono,” is a viral infection most often caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). It is frequently seen in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by fatigue, fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy. For medical coders, accurate reporting requires careful review of the physician documentation, correct ICD-10-CM code selection, and attention to related manifestations or complications. Understanding Mononucleosis Infectious mononucleosis is p...
Important Codes Mentioned
B27
B27.0
B27.00
B27.01
B27.02
B27.09
B27.1
B27.10
B27.11
B27.12
B27.19
B27.8
B27.80
B27.81
B27.82
B27.89
B27.9
B27.90
B27.91
B27.92
B27.99
R16.1
Key Takeaways
- For medical coders, accurate reporting requires careful review of the physician documentation, correct ICD-10-CM code selection, and attention to related manifestations or complications.
- Common clinical features include: Fever Severe fatigue Sore throat (pharyngitis) Swollen lymph nodes Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) Because the presentation can vary significantly, coders must rely on the provider's documented diagnosis, not just symptoms.
- 0 – Gammaherpesviral mononucleosis: Used when documentation specifies Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- 89 (with other complications) Coding Tip: When the documentation states “Epstein–Barr virus mononucleosis,” code B27.
- For more information: Medical Coding Signs & Symptoms in Diseases Coding Complications of Mononucleosis In some cases, mononucleosis may cause complications that should be coded separately if documented.
- Always review documentation carefully to determine whether the complication is separately reportable.
- From a coding perspective, laboratory confirmation supports the diagnosis, but coders should only code what the provider documents, not the lab result alone.
- For more information: Medical Coding Labs Medical Necessity and Documentation Proper documentation is essential for accurate coding and reimbursement.
Notes
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