U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

05/16/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2022 13:33

Public Health Recommendations

Documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID conditions is critical for accurate public health surveillance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed coding guidance for health care encounters related to post-COVID conditions based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM).(2) WHO has recommended the following ICD-10 code be used:

  • U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified - to allow the establishment of a link with COVID-19; not to be used in cases that still are presenting with acute COVID-19

The ICD-10 code U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition code is not currently available in the United States and is under review by the U.S. ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee. In the meantime, CDC recommends the following ICD-10-CM code be used for post-COVID conditions:

  • B94.8 Sequelae of other specified infectious and parasitic diseases

Public Health Recommendations

People with post-COVID conditions should continue to follow CDC's recommended COVID-19 prevention measures, including wearing a mask when and where indicated, maintaining the appropriate physical distance from people who are not from their household, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, washing hands, and when vaccinated following the general recommendations for vaccinated people.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Other Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to all eligible people, regardless of their history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although anecdotal reports indicate that some patients with post-COVID conditions have experienced improvements in their symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination, research is ongoing to establish the extent of this effect, if verified.(53) Healthcare professionals should also emphasize the importance of annual vaccination against influenza for all people aged ≥6 months, including patients with a history of COVID-19. In addition, vaccination against pneumococcal disease should be considered according to current ACIP guidelines.

During the pandemic, fewer routine childhood vaccine doses were administered(54) leaving children at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases. Healthcare professionals should work with families to keep children and adolescents up to date with well-child visits and all recommended vaccinations, including children and adolescents experiencing post-COVID conditions. For more information on immunization services and vaccination recommendations during the pandemic, visit "Vaccination Guidance." Developmental surveillance and early childhood screenings, including developmental and autism screening, should continue along with referrals for early intervention services, and further evaluation if concerns are identified.

Preventive Care

Patients with post-COVID conditions might additionally benefit from a review of their current preventive care practices, including age-appropriate preventive health screeningsexternal icon and vaccinations that may have been delayed due to the pandemic and other discussions regarding nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and chronic disease management.