Echinococcosis, unspecified

This code represents an infection caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, where the specific species of the parasite is not documented. It typically manifests as cystic lesions in various organs, most commonly the liver and lungs, resulting from the larval stage of the tapeworm. The disease can be asymptomatic for many years, with symptoms developing as the cysts grow and exert pressure on surrounding tissues.

Use this code when the medical record clearly indicates a diagnosis of echinococcosis, but the specific Echinococcus species (e.g., granulosus, multilocularis) is not identified by the provider. This applies to cases where diagnostic testing is inconclusive regarding species, or when the provider simply documents "echinococcosis" without further specificity. Documentation should support the presence of the parasitic infection.

• Avoid using this code if the specific species of Echinococcus is known and documented; instead, use the more specific code from category B67.
• Ensure the documentation supports the diagnosis of echinococcosis, such as imaging findings of hydatid cysts or positive serology, even if the species is unspecified.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter or hospitalization.