ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code B56.1: Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents rhodesiense trypanosomiasis in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
1Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
block
B50-B64Protozoal diseases
category
B56African trypanosomiasis
currentB56
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- East African sleeping sickness
- Infection due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
Infectious Disease SpecialistGeneral Physician
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 860866005high
Encephalitis caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 42872003high
Infection by Trypanosoma rhodesiense
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 788981009high
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense meningitis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
B56.1
Common synonyms
Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.