ICD-10 Code B97.4 – Respiratory syncytial virus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B97.4 – Respiratory syncytial virus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
What it is
This code identifies respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the infectious cause of another condition classified elsewhere. Use it when RSV is documented as the underlying organism, not as the primary disease diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. RSV commonly presents with respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing, congestion, or difficulty breathing, especially when linked to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory illness.
When to use this code
Use B97.4 when the record states RSV is causing a separate condition, and that condition has its own diagnosis code. Pair it with the code for the manifesting illness, such as lower respiratory tract infection or pneumonia, when documented. If RSV is only suspected, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a primary RSV illness without a documented associated condition, or when another organism is identified as the cause. Check documentation if the chart does not clearly link RSV to the diagnosed disease.
Coding tip
Assign B97.4 only as an additional code when RSV is documented as the cause of another coded disease.