ICD 10 Codes For Tick Removal & Billing Guide

 Tick bites are common, especially during warmer months, and can lead to various health issues, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and infections like Lyme disease. For healthcare providers, proper documentation and the correct ICD 10 codes for tick removal are essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and reimbursement. This guide explains which ICD-10 codes to use, how to pair them with procedure codes, and key billing tips to prevent claim denials.

Understanding Tick Bite Encounters

Tick removal procedures may involve simply extracting the tick or treating complications such as infection, rash, or inflammation. Accurate coding ensures proper reporting of both the encounter for tick bite and any related condition caused by the bite.

---

Primary ICD-10 Codes for Tick Bites

1. W57.XXXA – Bitten or Stung by Nonvenomous Insect and Other Nonvenomous Arthropods (Initial Encounter)

This is the most commonly used ICD 10 code for tick bites during the first visit for tick removal. It includes bites from insects such as ticks, fleas, or mites.
Example:

A patient visits for removal of a tick attached to the leg.
Code: W57.XXXA

For follow-up visits:

• W57.XXXD – Subsequent encounter

• W57.XXXS – Sequela (for late effects such as infection or rash)

---

Additional ICD-10 Codes for Related Conditions

When tick bites cause complications, use the following secondary ICD-10 codes along with W57.XXXA:

Code	Description
L08.9	Local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified
L03.90	Cellulitis, unspecified
A69.20	Lyme disease, unspecified
R21	Rash and other nonspecific skin eruption
T14.8XXA	Other injury of unspecified body region, initial encounter

Always document the site of the tick bite (e.g., scalp, arm, leg) and any associated symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever.

---

CPT Codes for Tick Removal

For billing purposes, the CPT code depends on the method of tick removal:

CPT Code	Procedure Description
99201–99215	Evaluation and Management (E/M) visit – use for office consultation and assessment
10120	Incision and removal of foreign body (subcutaneous) – used if tick removal requires minor surgery
99211	For nurse visits or minimal evaluation if physician is not directly involved

If the provider performs tick removal without incision, bill using an E/M code only, as it’s considered a minor procedure.

---

Billing Tips for Tick Removal

1. ✅ Use W57.XXXA as the Primary Diagnosis:
   Always code the tick bite as the primary diagnosis, followed by any secondary condition (e.g., infection or rash).

2. ✅ Include Visit Type (Initial, Subsequent, Sequela):
   Use “A” for the first visit, “D” for follow-ups, and “S” for complications.

3. ✅ Document Site and Symptoms:
   Specify body location and note symptoms like swelling or pain for accurate coding.

4. ✅ Pair with Correct CPT Code:
   Combine with E/M or procedure codes depending on removal method.

5. ✅ Avoid Overuse of Unspecified Codes:
   Use detailed documentation to prevent claim denials and ensure compliance.

---

Example Coding Scenario

Scenario:
A patient presents with a tick attached to the upper arm. The tick is manually removed, and the site is cleaned with no signs of infection.

ICD-10 Codes:

• W57.XXXA – Bitten by nonvenomous arthropod, initial encounter
  CPT Code:

• 99213 – Established patient office visit

If redness and infection develop later, a follow-up visit would use W57.XXXD (subsequent encounter) plus L03.113 (cellulitis of upper limb).

---

Why Accurate Tick Bite Coding Matters

Correct ICD 10 coding for tick removal ensures:

• Proper insurance reimbursement

• Accurate medical record documentation

• Efficient claim processing

• Better tracking of tick-borne illnesses

Inaccurate or incomplete coding may result in claim delays or denials, especially when secondary diagnoses like Lyme disease are not properly linked.

---

Final Thoughts

The right use of ICD 10 codes for tick removal—primarily W57.XXXA—combined with appropriate CPT codes and clear documentation, helps ensure smooth billing and compliance. Whether treating a simple tick bite or complications like infection, accurate coding supports both clinical care and reimbursement efficiency.