ICD-10 Code B50 – Plasmodium falciparum malaria (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B50 – Plasmodium falciparum malaria
What it is
B50 identifies malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the species most associated with severe disease. Use it when the record clearly documents falciparum malaria.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include fever, chills, headache, malaise, and possible signs of severe systemic illness in confirmed falciparum infection.
When to use this code
Use B50 when the provider documents Plasmodium falciparum malaria or falciparum infection as the diagnosis. Apply it for confirmed cases, whether acute or ongoing, if the record supports this species. Check documentation for any associated complications or mixed infections that may need additional coding.
Do not use for
Do not use B50 for malaria when the species is not falciparum or is unspecified. If the chart only says “malaria” without organism detail, choose the more accurate documented code.
Coding tip
Code the documented Plasmodium species exactly as stated, and verify whether complications or coexisting conditions require separate reporting.