ICD-10 Code A80 – Acute poliomyelitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A80 – Acute poliomyelitis
What it is
A80 identifies acute poliomyelitis, an acute viral infection that can affect the central nervous system. Use it when documentation states poliomyelitis or polio without a more specific subcategory.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and asymmetric flaccid weakness or paralysis, especially when the virus involves anterior horn cells.
When to use this code
Use A80 when the provider documents acute poliomyelitis as the confirmed diagnosis. It is appropriate for cases described as polio, spinal polio, or bulbar involvement when no more specific ICD-10-CM code is available in the record.
Check the note for the exact type and any neurologic complications. If the chart only mentions exposure, history, or post-polio syndrome, this code is not the right choice.
Do not use for
Do not use A80 for a past history of poliomyelitis or for post-polio sequelae. Do not assign it when documentation is unclear; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the provider documented acute disease, history, or sequelae before assigning A80.