A70-A74
Medium Complexity

Other diseases caused by chlamydiae

Primary Specialty: Infectious Disease
Last Updated: 2025-09-09

ICD-10 Codes (10)

10 billable
0 category headers
A71
Billable
Trachoma
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A71.0
Billable
Toxic shock syndrome
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A71.1
Billable
Toxic shock syndrome
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A71.9
Billable
Trichinellosis, unspecified
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A74
Billable
ICD-10 code A74 title: Rocky Mountain spotted fever
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A74.0
Billable
A74.0: Scrub typhus
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A74.8
Billable
Other specified bacterial intestinal infections
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A74.81
Billable
Chlamydial peritonitis
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A74.89
Billable
Other chlamydial diseases
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A74.9
Billable
Dengue fever, unspecified
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Updates & Changes

FY 2026 Updates

Current Year

New Codes (2)

A04.72
Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, recurrent
A04.73
Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, not responsive to therapy

Revised Codes (2)

A04.71
Updated to clarify "initial episode" terminology for Clostridioides difficile
A08.11
Acute gastroenteropathy due to Norovirus - enhanced specificity

Deleted Codes

No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026

Historical Changes

  • FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
  • FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
  • FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity

Upcoming Changes

  • Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
  • Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes

Implementation Guidance

  • Review all FY 2026 updates for A70-A74 codes before implementation
  • Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
  • Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
  • +3 more guidance items...

Range Overview

high priority

The ICD-10 code range A70-A74 represents 'Other diseases caused by chlamydiae.' This range includes codes for various conditions caused by different species of chlamydiae, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae. These codes are used to document conditions like trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other chlamydial diseases.

Key Usage Points:

  • A70-A74 codes are used for conditions caused by chlamydiae, not for the presence of chlamydiae itself.
  • Specificity is crucial; use the most specific code that accurately represents the patient's condition.
  • Consider the patient's history and clinical findings when selecting the appropriate code.
  • Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or manifestations.
  • Remember to code recurrent episodes if applicable.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

  • When a patient has a confirmed diagnosis of a disease caused by chlamydiae.
  • When a patient presents with symptoms and clinical findings consistent with a chlamydial disease.
  • When a patient has a history of a chlamydial disease that affects current care.
  • When a patient has complications or manifestations associated with a chlamydial disease.

When NOT to Use:

  • When a patient has a positive chlamydia test but no symptoms or disease.
  • When a patient has a disease typically associated with chlamydia but caused by another organism.
  • When a patient has a condition that is not caused by chlamydiae.
  • When a patient has a history of chlamydial disease that does not affect current care.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions in the latest version of the ICD-10-CM guidelines.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for A70-A74 codes should be comprehensive, including the specific chlamydial disease, any associated conditions or manifestations, and the patient's clinical history and findings.

Clinical Information:

  • Specific chlamydial disease
  • Patient's symptoms and clinical findings
  • Results of diagnostic tests
  • Patient's history of chlamydial diseases
  • Any associated conditions or manifestations

Supporting Evidence:

  • Lab reports confirming chlamydia
  • Clinical notes detailing patient's symptoms and findings
  • Imaging reports if applicable
  • Notes on patient's medical history
Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Lab tests confirm Chlamydia trachomatis. Diagnosis: Lymphogranuloma venereum (A55).

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has chlamydia.

Common Documentation Errors:

  • Not specifying the chlamydial disease
  • Not documenting associated conditions or manifestations
  • Not including patient's clinical history and findings
  • Using a code for chlamydia presence instead of a chlamydial disease

Range Statistics

3
Total Codes
10
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:1

Coding Complexity

Medium
Complexity Rating

The complexity of A70-A74 codes is medium due to the need to identify the specific chlamydial disease, code any associated conditions or manifestations, and determine the impact on current care. Additionally, coding recurrent episodes can add complexity.

Key Factors:
  • Identifying the specific chlamydial disease
  • Coding associated conditions or manifestations
  • Determining whether the disease affects current care
  • Coding recurrent episodes

Specialty Focus

A70-A74 codes are most commonly used in infectious disease, ophthalmology, and gynecology.

Primary Specialties:
Infectious Disease
40%
Ophthalmology
30%
Gynecology
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
  • A patient with a history of unprotected sexual encounters presents with painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
  • A patient with a history of trachoma presents with recurrent eye infections.
  • A pregnant woman tests positive for Chlamydia trachomatis during routine screening.

Resources & References

Resources for A70-A74 codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.

Official Guidelines:

  • ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
  • CDC's Chlamydial Infections Guidelines
  • WHO's Trachoma Guidelines

Clinical References:

  • CDC's Chlamydial Infections Fact Sheet
  • WHO's Trachoma Fact Sheet

Educational Materials:

  • AAPC's ICD-10-CM Code Set Training
  • AHIMA's ICD-10-CM Coding Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an A70-A74 code if the patient has a positive chlamydia test but no symptoms or disease?

No, A70-A74 codes are for diseases caused by chlamydiae, not for the presence of chlamydiae itself. Use Z11.8 for asymptomatic individuals with a positive screening test.