ICD-10 Code B33.23 – Viral pericarditis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B33.23 – Viral pericarditis
What it is
B33.23 identifies pericardial inflammation caused by a viral infection. Use it when documentation clearly states viral pericarditis, not just nonspecific chest pain or pericardial effusion.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include pleuritic chest pain, a pericardial friction rub, and ECG changes consistent with pericarditis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use B33.23 when the provider documents viral pericarditis or confirms a viral cause for the pericardial inflammation. It may also apply when the record links pericarditis to a specific viral illness. If the cause is not stated, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pericarditis with no documented viral cause, or for other infectious or noninfectious pericardial disorders. Check documentation if the chart only mentions pericardial effusion.
Coding tip
Verify that the viral etiology is explicitly documented before coding B33.23.