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B02 vs L04

B02 (Zoster [herpes zoster]) compared with L04 (Acute lymphadenitis), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).

Can these codes be reported together?

Yes, when both are documented. L04 carries an Excludes2 note covering B02: “zoster (B02.-)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Side by side

B02Zoster [herpes zoster]L04Acute lymphadenitis
Billing statusNon-billable header

Report instead: B02.0, B02.1, B02.21, B02.22, B02.23

Non-billable header

Report instead: L04.0, L04.1, L04.2, L04.3, L04.8

ClassificationA00-B99 — Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (A00-B99)L00-L99 — Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (L00-L99)
DefinitionZoster [herpes zoster] is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (B02).Acute lymphadenitis is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (L04).
Includes
shingles
zona
abscess (acute) of lymph nodes, except mesenteric
acute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric
Use additional code
code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources