ICD-10 Code B50.0 – Plasmodium falciparum malaria with cerebral complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B50.0 – Plasmodium falciparum malaria with cerebral complications
What it is
B50.0 identifies malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum when the illness involves the brain. Use it for severe falciparum malaria with cerebral involvement, not uncomplicated malaria.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include altered mental status, confusion, seizures, coma, or other neurologic impairment attributed to falciparum malaria.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cerebral malaria, falciparum malaria with coma, or other central nervous system complications linked to P. falciparum infection. Apply it only when the record clearly supports cerebral involvement. If the note says malaria without neurologic complications, choose a different code.
Do not use for
Do not use B50.0 for uncomplicated malaria, non-falciparum species, or neurologic symptoms not documented as malaria-related. Check documentation if the species or complication is unclear.
Coding tip
Confirm both the Plasmodium species and the cerebral complication in the provider note before assigning B50.0.