ICD-10 Code B08.010 – Cowpox (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B08.010 – Cowpox
What it is
Cowpox is a viral infection caused by the cowpox virus, an orthopoxvirus related to other poxviruses. Use this code when documentation specifically identifies cowpox.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include localized skin lesions that evolve through vesicular, pustular, and crusting stages, sometimes with regional lymph node swelling.
When to use this code
Use B08.010 when the clinician documents cowpox as the confirmed diagnosis or the reason for the encounter. It may also apply when the record clearly identifies cowpox infection without another more specific code. Check documentation if the note only says poxvirus infection.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for smallpox, monkeypox, or nonspecific viral rash diagnoses. If the organism or diagnosis is not clearly stated, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code only when cowpox is explicitly documented; otherwise, verify the exact viral diagnosis before assigning B08.010.