ICD-10 Code B56.9 – African trypanosomiasis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B56.9 – African trypanosomiasis, unspecified
What it is
B56.9 identifies African trypanosomiasis when the record does not specify the species or form. Use it for sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma infection when documentation is nonspecific.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and later neurologic changes such as sleep disturbance or confusion.
When to use this code
Use B56.9 when the clinician documents African trypanosomiasis but does not name the organism or subtype. It also fits cases where the chart confirms the infection, yet details remain incomplete. Code from the available diagnosis wording, and check documentation if another specific trypanosomiasis code is supported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for trypanosomiasis with a documented specific species when a more precise code is available. Do not assign it if the note only says “rule out” or if the diagnosis is not confirmed.
Coding tip
Use the unspecified code only after reviewing the record for species, stage, or neurologic involvement that may allow a more specific code.