ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for HSV-2
For herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, use the A60 series codes, with the specific code depending on the anatomical location of infection. 1
Primary Coding Structure
The ICD-10-CM classification for anogenital herpesviral infections follows this hierarchy 1:
- A60 - Anogenital herpesviral [herpes simplex] infection (parent code)
- A60.0 - Herpesviral infection of genitalia and urogenital tract
- A60.1 - Herpesviral infection of perianal skin and rectum
- A60.9 - Anogenital herpesviral infection, unspecified
Coding Algorithm
Select your code based on documented anatomical location:
If genital or urogenital tract involvement is documented → Use A60.0
- This includes penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, urethra
If perianal or rectal involvement is documented → Use A60.1
- This covers perianal skin and rectal mucosa
If anogenital HSV is diagnosed but specific location is not documented → Use A60.9
- This is the default when anatomical specificity is lacking
Critical Coding Considerations
Important caveat: These codes do NOT distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 serotypes 1. The classification is based purely on anatomical location, not viral type. While HSV-2 is predominantly associated with genital disease, up to 30-50% of genital herpes cases may be caused by HSV-1 due to oro-genital sexual practices 1.
For non-genital HSV-2 manifestations (oral, ocular, disseminated), you would need different ICD-10 codes outside the A60 series, as these codes are specifically for anogenital infections 1.
Documentation tip: If you have laboratory confirmation of HSV-2 specifically (via type-specific serology or PCR), document this clearly in the medical record even though the ICD-10 code itself doesn't capture this distinction. This is clinically relevant for prognosis, as HSV-2 genital infections have higher recurrence rates than HSV-1 genital infections 1.