Echinococcus multilocularis infection, unspecified

This code represents an infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, leading to alveolar echinococcosis. This parasitic disease typically forms tumor-like lesions, primarily in the liver, but can metastasize to other organs. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the specific organ or site of infection is not documented.

Use this code when documentation confirms an Echinococcus multilocularis infection, but the precise anatomical location or manifestation of the disease is not specified. This code is appropriate for initial diagnoses or when the physician has not yet identified the primary site of parasitic involvement. Supporting documentation would include laboratory confirmation of Echinococcus multilocularis antibodies or DNA, or imaging suggestive of alveolar echinococcosis without specific organ identification.

• Avoid using this code if the specific organ involved (e.g., liver, lung, brain) is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the B67.5- or B67.6- series.
• Always query the provider for a more specific site of infection if not documented, as this allows for more precise coding and better data for epidemiological tracking.
• This code should be sequenced as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.