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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA21

A21

Tularemia

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED08/28/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A21 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of tularemia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tularemia

  • Tularemia

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Standard complexity factors

Audit Risk Factors

  • Standard audit considerations

Specialty Focus

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A21 When
  • The ICD
  • 10 code A21, also known as "Tularemia" is classified as non
  • billable, meaning that it cannot necessarily be used for reimbursement purposes
  • Since there are specific codes relating to various manifestations of Tularemia, coders often must employ more specific codes when documenting this condition
  • Here are some crucial points to consider while applying this code:
  • 10 Code
  • A21, as mentioned, refers to Tularemia
  • a disease that typically manifests in various forms, like ulceroglandular, glandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, pneumonic, typhoidal, and septic

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A21 When
  • Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: The ICD
  • Each form of Tularemia typically has its inclusions and exclusions which must be consulted while coding

Related Codes

Child Codes

7 codes
A21.0
Tularaemia
A21.1
Tularaemia
A21.2
Tularaemia
A21.3
Tularaemia
A21.7
Tularaemia
A21.8
Tularaemia, unspecified
A21.9
Tularemia, unspecified

Related CPT Codes

No CPT Codes Available

Related CPT codes for this diagnosis will be displayed here when available.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) is a system used by healthcare providers to code and categorize diseases and health issues. The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 expanded the coding system, improving the ability to capture and track detailed health information. When it comes to coding for A21 (Non-billable), it primarily impacts specificity, reimbursement, and documentation.
1. Specificity: ICD-10 increased the specificity of coding for conditions such as A21. More accurate coding allows for better tracking and management of diseases, conditions, and health issues. The granularity in ICD-10 not only more accurately reflects a patient's medical condition but also enhances data for research, public health surveillance, quality measurement, and healthcare reimbursement.
2. Reimbursement: With the increased specificity comes changes in reimbursement. With the ICD-10 code A21, it allows for more precision and detail, which can lead to more appropriate payment for services rendered. However, incorrect or non-specific coding could lead to payment denials or delays. As "A21" is categorized as non-billable, those codes are not sufficient justification for admitting to an acute care hospital when used a principal diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) is a system used by healthcare providers to code and categorize diseases and health issues. The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 expanded the coding system, improving the ability to capture and track detailed health information. When it comes to coding for A21 (Non-billable), it primarily impacts specificity, reimbursement, and documentation. 1. Specificity: ICD-10 increased the specificity of coding for conditions such as A21. More accurate coding allows for better tracking and management of diseases, conditions, and health issues. The granularity in ICD-10 not only more accurately reflects a patient's medical condition but also enhances data for research, public health surveillance, quality measurement, and healthcare reimbursement. 2. Reimbursement: With the increased specificity comes changes in reimbursement. With the ICD-10 code A21, it allows for more precision and detail, which can lead to more appropriate payment for services rendered. However, incorrect or non-specific coding...

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement, and documentation.

Resources

Clinical References

No clinical reference resources available for this code.

Coding & Billing References

No coding and billing reference resources available for this code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ICD-10 code A21 represent?

A: ICD-10 code A21 is used to denote a diagnosis of tularemia. However, it's categorized as a "non-billable" code, meaning that it cannot be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Why is ICD-10 code A21 termed as a non-billable code?

A: ICD-10 code A21 is termed as a non-billable code due to its low level of specificity. It's considered a "header" or "parent" code with more specific subcodes beneath it. These more specific and granular codes are referred to as "billable" codes that can be used for reimbursement purposes.

What are some examples of billable codes under A21?

A: There are 7 billable codes under the parent code A21. Some of these include: A21.0 (tularemic ulcer of skin), A21.1 (tularemic lymphadenopathy), A21.2 (pulmonary tularemia), and A21.7 (generalized and unspecified tularemia).

How do medical professionals ensure they use the correct subcode and not the parent code for billing?

A: Professional coders often use a coding manual or software that provides a detailed breakdown and description of each code in ICD-10. With this resource, they can accurately select the most specific and applicable subcode for billing.

How should medical records document a diagnosis for a patient with tularemia?

A: The medical record should clearly describe the patient's diagnosis and include all the symptoms, test results, and treatment information related to the tularemia. It's important to mention specific subtypes of the condition if applicable so that the most appropriate ICD-10 subcode under A21 can be chosen.

How does using ICD-10 code A21 affect reimbursement procedures?

A: Direct use of the parent code A21 will generally not provide reimbursement because it's considered non-billable. Therefore, it is necessary to use a specific billable subcode under A21 to ensure that the provider is reimbursed for services related to diagnosing and treating tularemia.