B02.0: Zoster encephalitis
B02.0, zoster encephalitis, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 13 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0283 (Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas…), A9585 (Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml), Q9953 (Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent…). The articles come from 2 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.
HCPCS Level II codes with B02.0 as a covered diagnosis
| Code | Description | Medicare coverage | DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range) | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G0283 | Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas for indication(s) other than wound care, as part of a therapy plan of care | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| A9585 | Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| Q9953 | Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent, per ml | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| G2187 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: head trauma | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2188 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: new or change in headache above 50 years of age | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2189 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: abnormal neurologic exam | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2190 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: headache radiating to the neck | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2191 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: positional headaches | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2192 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: temporal headaches in patients over 55 years of age | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2193 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: new onset headache in pre-school children or younger (<6 years of age) | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2194 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: new onset headache in pediatric patients with disabilities for which headache is a concern as inferred from behavior | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G2195 | Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the head: occipital headache in children | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| G0282 | Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for wound care other than described in g0281 | Non-covered by Medicare | Not covered | 1 |
Medicare policy articles listing B02.0
- A56034: Billing and Coding: Nerve Blockade for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Neuropathy (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 2 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L35456
- A57206: Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 2 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34220
- A56612: Billing and Coding: CT of the Head (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 9 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34417
A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.
Other B02 diagnoses (Zoster [herpes zoster])
- B02.1 — Zoster meningitis
- B02.23 — Postherpetic polyneuropathy
- B02.29 — Other postherpetic nervous system involvement
- B02.30 — Zoster ocular disease, unspecified
- B02.31 — Zoster conjunctivitis
- B02.32 — Zoster iridocyclitis
- B02.33 — Zoster keratitis
- B02.34 — Zoster scleritis
- B02.39 — Other herpes zoster eye disease
- B02.7 — Disseminated zoster
- B02.8 — Zoster with other complications
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover B02.0 (Zoster encephalitis)?
Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list B02.0 as a covered diagnosis for 13 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.
Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 B02.0?
The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0283 (Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas…, 1 article); A9585 (Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml, 1 article); Q9953 (Injection, iron-based magnetic resonance contrast agent…, 1 article); G2187 (Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the…, 1 article); G2188 (Patients with clinical indications for imaging of the…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.
Which Medicare policy articles list B02.0?
A56034 (Billing and Coding: Nerve Blockade for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Neuropathy); A57206 (Billing and Coding: Lumbar MRI); A56612 (Billing and Coding: CT of the Head).
What is ICD-10-CM code B02.0?
B02.0 is the ICD-10-CM code for zoster encephalitis, in category B02 (Zoster [herpes zoster]), chapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseases.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G0283
- Watch G0283 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G0283
Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.
Chapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseases · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup