Considering the increase in measles cases in the United States and globally, it is a great time to review how we code for this condition. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, updated on May 30, so far this year we have had 1,088 domestic measles cases, with three deaths.
These are confirmed cases reported by 33 states. CDC goes on to note there have been 14 measles outbreaks so far this year.
While the majority of the cases are in people 19 and younger, 32 percent of the cases are in people older than 20. Hospitalization was necessary in 12 percent of the total cases. While probable measles cases are being reported, the data CDC is reporting is only on confirmed cases.
We are certainly hearing more in the news recently about measles, and the CDC has addressed some reasons why there is more measles activity. Interestingly, measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. The CDC attributes this to a very high percentage of people getting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, with which we are all familiar. Currently, however, CDC notes that the U.S. MMR coverage among kindergarteners is now below the 95-percent target – and it is decreasing. The CDC also identifies an increase in global measles activity, citing more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease, with symptoms appearing 7 to 14 days after contact. Typical symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Small white spots called Koplik’s spots may be seen inside the mouth 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms.
The characteristic measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after symptom onset, possibly with a fever spike of more than 104 degrees.
Looking at our coding, Measles is found at B05. In the Alphabetic Index, measles has inclusion terms of black, hemorrhagic, and suppressed. In the Index we also see the notation “with” and several conditions: complication NEC, encephalitis, intestinal complications, keratitis, meningitis, otitis media, and pneumonia, with a specific code listed for each.
We also see entries for French, German, and Liberty, all with the instructional note to see rubella. Rubella is a different condition, but has similar symptoms. Rubella is the “R” in the MMR vaccine. In the Tabular List, we see that Measles includes morbilli, which it may also be known as.
There is an Excludes 1 note for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, so this rare measles complication is not coded here. The code listings for measles complicated by encephalitis, meningitis, pneumonia, and otitis media (code range B05.0-B05.3) all include the post-measles conditions. The encephalitis and pneumonia codes (B05.0 and B05.2 respectively) are Major Complication or Comorbidity (MCC) conditions.
The meningitis code, B05.1, is a CC condition. B05.4, Measles with intestinal complications, along with B05.81, Measles keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis, and B05.89, Other measles complications, are also CC conditions. B05.9, Measles without complications, would be our Measles unspecified code assignment.
For those of you who would like to track the data going forward, CDC updates their measles page every Friday.
Listen live to the Coding Report with Christine Geiger Tuesdays on Talk Ten Tuesday with Chuck Buck and Angela Comfort.
I had planned a different topic for this week, sequencing sepsis, based on feedback from my last article, but an article about OpenEvidence rolling out
EDITOR’S NOTE: The author of this article used artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools in its composition, but all content, analysis, and conclusions were based on the
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS‑P, CPEDC, COPC. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s third quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Stay ahead of the 2026-2027 audit surge with “Top 10 Audit Targets for 2026-2027 for Hospitals & Physicians: Protect Your Revenue,” a high-impact webcast led by Michael Calahan, PA, MBA. This concise session gives hospitals and physicians clear insight into the most likely federal audit targets, such as E/M services, split/shared and critical care, observation and admissions, device credits, and Two-Midnight Rule changes, and shows how to tighten documentation, coding, and internal processes to reduce denials, recoupments, and penalties. Attendees walk away with practical best practices to protect revenue, strengthen compliance, and better prepare their teams for inevitable audits.
Prepare for the 2025 CMS IPPS Final Rule with ICD10monitor’s IPPSPalooza! Click HERE to learn more
Get 15% OFF on all educational webcasts at ICD10monitor with code JULYFOURTH24 until July 4, 2024—start learning today!
BLOOM INTO SAVINGS! Get 25% OFF during our spring sale through March 27. Use code SPRING26 at checkout to claim this offer.
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
