ICD-10 Code B50.8 – Other severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B50.8 – Other severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
What it is
This code identifies severe or complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum when the specific complication is not separately named. Use it for documented falciparum malaria with serious systemic involvement.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Severe malaria may include altered mental status, respiratory distress, jaundice, anemia, renal impairment, or other organ dysfunction linked to falciparum infection.
When to use this code
Use B50.8 when the record clearly states severe or complicated P. falciparum malaria and the complication does not map to a more specific code. You should also use it when the clinician documents severe falciparum malaria with multiple complications but does not name one dominant category.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for uncomplicated malaria, malaria due to another Plasmodium species, or when the chart specifies a different severe falciparum malaria subtype. Check documentation if the species or complication is unclear.
Coding tip
Confirm both the species and the severity wording in the note before assigning B50.8.