Postherpetic geniculate ganglionitis

This code represents inflammation of the geniculate ganglion that occurs as a sequela of herpes zoster infection (shingles). The geniculate ganglion is a sensory ganglion of the facial nerve, and its postherpetic inflammation typically manifests as facial pain, taste disturbances, and sometimes facial paralysis (Ramsay Hunt syndrome).

Use this code when documentation specifies geniculate ganglionitis occurring after a herpes zoster infection. This diagnosis is often associated with persistent pain or neurological deficits in the distribution of the facial nerve following resolution of the acute zoster rash. Supporting documentation should clearly link the ganglionitis to a prior zoster episode.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "postherpetic" to differentiate from other causes of geniculate ganglionitis.
• Consider co-coding with codes for associated symptoms like facial pain (e.g., G50.1) or facial paralysis (e.g., G51.0) if present and separately documented.
• Do not use this code for acute herpes zoster with geniculate ganglionitis; that would be coded with B02.20.