ICD-10 Code B85 – Pediculosis and phthiriasis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B85 – Pediculosis and phthiriasis
What it is
B85 identifies infestation with lice, including head, body, or pubic lice. Use it when documentation states pediculosis or phthiriasis without a more specific site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include itching, visible lice or nits, and excoriations from scratching. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use B85 when the provider documents pediculosis, lice infestation, or phthiriasis as the diagnosis. It also fits cases where the site is not specified in the record. If the note names a specific type of lice infestation, code that more specific option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use B85 for pruritus alone or for skin irritation without documented lice infestation. Check documentation if the record only mentions exposure, suspected infestation, or another parasitic condition.
Coding tip
Look for the exact organism or site in the note, because a more specific code may be available.