Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

This code identifies an infection caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants and older adults.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of RSV infection, regardless of the specific manifestation (e.g., bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or upper respiratory infection due to RSV). Supporting documentation includes positive RSV laboratory tests (e.g., rapid antigen test, PCR) or a physician's definitive clinical diagnosis of RSV.

• Do not use this code for symptoms without a confirmed RSV diagnosis; instead, code the specific symptoms.
• When RSV causes a specific condition (e.g., bronchiolitis, pneumonia), code the manifestation first, then sequence this code as an additional diagnosis to identify the infectious agent.
• This code is specific to the virus itself; do not confuse it with codes for other viral respiratory infections.