ICD-10 Code B53.0 – Plasmodium ovale malaria (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B53.0 – Plasmodium ovale malaria
What it is
B53.0 identifies malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale. Use it when documentation specifies this parasite as the cause of the infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical malaria findings may include fever, chills, headache, and malaise, but the record should confirm Plasmodium ovale infection.
When to use this code
Use B53.0 when the provider documents Plasmodium ovale malaria, including confirmed species identification in the assessment or laboratory report. It also applies when the diagnosis is stated clearly in the chart and no more specific malaria code is given.
Do not assign it for suspected malaria without confirmation, or when another Plasmodium species is documented. Check documentation if the species is unclear or mixed.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for malaria caused by other Plasmodium species or for unspecified malaria. If the record does not identify Plasmodium ovale, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the species exactly as documented; if the chart says only “malaria,” verify whether Plasmodium ovale is confirmed.