B45.7

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Disseminated cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus that has spread throughout the body, commonly affecting the lungs, brain, and bloodstream. This condition typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Coding Tips

• •Always verify the extent of dissemination and document which body systems are affected, as this may require additional codes for specific site involvement (e.g., meningitis, pneumonia)
• •Ensure the underlying immunocompromised condition is also coded separately, as cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection that requires documentation of the primary immune disorder

Clinical Significance

Disseminated cryptococcosis indicates Cryptococcus infection spread through the bloodstream to multiple organ systems, representing one of the most serious opportunistic infections with high mortality. It is a hallmark of advanced immunosuppression, particularly AIDS, and demands aggressive combination antifungal therapy and management of the underlying immunodeficiency.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Positive cryptococcal antigen or cultures from two or more body sites
• ✓Documentation of specific organ systems involved (lung, brain, skin, blood, bone)
• ✓Fungemia documented if blood cultures are positive
• ✓CD4 count or other marker of immunosuppression severity
• ✓Complete treatment plan including induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapy phases

Commonly Confused Codes