Cestode infection, unspecified

This code signifies an intestinal parasitic infection caused by a tapeworm, where the specific type of tapeworm (e.g., Taenia solium, Diphyllobothrium latum) has not been identified. Patients may present with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or weight loss, though many infections are asymptomatic.

Use this code when documentation confirms a cestode infection but lacks specificity regarding the causative organism. This is appropriate when laboratory results indicate the presence of tapeworm eggs or proglottids, but further speciation is pending or not performed.

• Avoid using this code if the specific type of cestode is documented; instead, use a more precise code from categories B68-B70.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "cestode infection, unspecified" or similar language indicating a tapeworm infection without further detail.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity.