HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
Symptoms
Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks.
Having these symptoms alone doesn’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
HOW IT SPREADS?
Most people who get HIV get it through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
Only certain body fluids can transmit HIV. These fluids include:
- blood,
- semen (cum),
- pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum),
- rectal fluids,
- vaginal fluids,
STAGES OF HIV
Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
- People have a large amount of HIV in their blood and are very contagious.
- Many people have flu-like symptoms.
Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection
- This stage is also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency.
- HIV is still active and continues to reproduce in the body.
Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- The most severe stage of HIV infection.
- People receive an AIDS diagnosis when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells per milliliter of blood, or they develop certain illnesses (sometimes called opportunistic infections).
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Treatment
HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART) involves taking medicine as prescribed by a health care provider. You should start HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis.
CD-10-CM codes for HIV
- B20
Used for confirmed HIV infection or AIDS, or when a patient is being treated for HIV-related illness
- Z21
Used for asymptomatic HIV infection, when a patient is listed as HIV positive but without symptoms
- R75
Used for inconclusive HIV serology, when a patient’s record shows inconclusive HIV serology but no definitive diagnosis
Other ICD-10-CM codes for HIV-related conditions
- Z11.4: Used when a patient is seen for HIV screening
- Z20.6: Used when a patient believes they have been exposed to HIV
- Z71.7: Used when HIV counseling is provided
GUIDELINES
1.HIV infection/illness is coded as a diagnosis only for confirmed cases.
2. The proper sequencing for HIV depends on the reason for the admission or encounter. When a patient is admitted for an HIV-related condition, sequence B20 first, followed by additional diagnosis codes for all reported HIV-related conditions
3. If a patient with HIV disease is admitted for an unrelated condition (e.g., fracture), sequence the code for the unrelated condition, first. Report B20 as an additional diagnosis, along with any HIV-related conditions.
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