Shingles (herpes zoster) is classified under ICD-10-CM code B02, which requires specifying the complication. Common billable codes include B02.22 (postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia), B02.29 (other postherpetic nervous system involvement), and B02.9 (without complications).
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Inclusion terms
- Zoster NOS
Coding risks
- Incorrectly coding when complications are present but not documented
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| B02.9 | Zoster without complications | Herpes zoster documented without neurologic, ophthalmic, or postherpetic complications noted. |
| B02.29 | Other postherpetic nervous system involvement | Zoster with postherpetic neurologic sequelae beyond trigeminal neuralgia, such as myelitis or cranial nerve involvement. |
| B02.22 | Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia | Herpes zoster resolved with persistent facial nerve pain along the trigeminal distribution. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Zoster [herpes zoster]
Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus causing painful vesicular rash along dermatomes, with subcategories for complications like neuralgia and ocular involvement.
Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions
Viral illnesses producing cutaneous or mucosal eruptions, including herpesviruses, poxviruses, and other exanthematous infections.
Herpesviral [herpes simplex] infections
Infections caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, affecting skin, mucosa, eyes, or central nervous system.
Varicella [chickenpox]
Primary varicella-zoster virus infection presenting as generalized vesicular rash, with codes for complications including encephalitis and pneumonia.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Shingles.
Impact
Assigning B02.9 without explicit complication language may miscode cases that warrant B02.2x or B02.3x subcategories.
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when complication status is absent rather than inferring from residual pain or nerve symptoms.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use B02.9 only when the record documents herpes zoster without any complication. Any documented manifestation requires a more specific B02 subcategory code.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.