ICD 10 CM B60.0 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 B60.0 describes a medical condition known as babesiosis, which is an infection caused by the Babesia microti parasite that is transmitted to humans through tick bites, specifically from the Ixodes scapularis tick during its nymph stage, and is commonly found in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.

Official Description Of B60.0

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code B60.0 as:

When To Use B60.0

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM B60.0 code is babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic infection that affects the red blood cells. This condition is caused by various species of Babesia, with Babesia microti being the most common cause of the disease in the United States. Babesiosis is considered an emerging infectious disease, and its incidence has been on the rise in recent years due to various factors, such as climate change, increased outdoor activities, and development in previously wild areas.

When someone is infected with babesiosis, they may not show any symptoms, or they may experience a range of symptoms, such as fever with chills, headache, body ache, weakness, loss of appetite, and hemolytic anemia. The latter can cause jaundice, which is a yellow discoloration of the skin, and dark-colored urine. In severe cases, especially in immunocompromised patients and those without a spleen, the disease can lead to very low blood pressure, severe hemolytic anemia, blood clotting, and organ failure, such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys, which can be fatal.

To diagnose babesiosis, health care providers rely on the patient’s history of exposure, symptoms, and physical examination. Laboratory tests are also crucial in confirming the diagnosis, and these may include a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests (LFT), and a peripheral blood smear. Additionally, an indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assay of immunoglobulins M and G (IgM and IgG), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may be performed to identify the causative organism.

The treatment for babesiosis depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s overall health status. Asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms may not need any medications, but close monitoring is necessary. However, for individuals who are immunocompromised or asplenic, medication is typically the necessary course of treatment. Clindamycin, along with oral quinine or atovaquone and azithromycin, are commonly used to treat babesiosis.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid babesiosis and other tick-borne illnesses. People who spend time in areas where ticks are prevalent should take precautions, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing tick-checks after spending time outdoors. Additionally, it is important to promptly remove any ticks that have attached themselves to the skin to reduce the risk of infection.

Overall, babesiosis is a potentially serious illness caused by a tick-borne parasite. While its symptoms and severity can vary widely, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with babesiosis can make a full recovery.