ICD-10 Code B97.21 – SARS-associated coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B97.21 – SARS-associated coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
What it is
This code identifies SARS-associated coronavirus as the infectious agent causing a condition classified elsewhere. Use it to show the organism is the documented cause, not the primary disease itself.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Standard references describe an acute respiratory illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but you should code only when the causative coronavirus is specifically documented.
When to use this code
Use B97.21 when the provider states SARS-associated coronavirus caused a documented disease, and another code describes the actual condition. It is commonly paired with respiratory or infectious diagnoses that are classified elsewhere. If the record only says “coronavirus” or the cause is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified coronavirus infections or for the primary disease code by itself. Do not assign it when SARS-associated coronavirus is not documented as the confirmed cause.
Coding tip
Always sequence the manifestation or condition first, then add B97.21 only when the provider explicitly links SARS-associated coronavirus to that diagnosis.