ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA23.0

A23.0

Brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A23.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of brucellosis due to brucella melitensis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Brucella melitensis, primarily transmitted from animals to humans. This organism is commonly found in goats, sheep, and cattle, and is often associated with the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or direct contact with infected animals. The disease manifests with a range of symptoms, including fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. Chronic brucellosis can lead to more severe complications, such as osteoarticular infections, endocarditis, and neurological issues. Diagnosis is typically made through serological testing or culture of the organism from blood or other body fluids. Public health measures focus on controlling the disease in livestock, promoting pasteurization of dairy products, and educating at-risk populations about safe handling practices. Surveillance and reporting of brucellosis cases are crucial for monitoring outbreaks and implementing control strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms that can mimic other diseases
  • Need for specific laboratory confirmation
  • Potential for chronic complications requiring long-term management
  • Differentiation from other zoonotic infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of exposure history
  • Failure to provide laboratory confirmation
  • Misdiagnosis due to symptom overlap with other conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for chronic cases

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever of unknown origin, history of travel to endemic areas, or exposure to livestock.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of serological tests and any complications arising from the infection.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Surveillance data, outbreak reports, and vaccination status of at-risk populations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Monitoring and reporting of brucellosis cases in endemic regions or following outbreaks.

Billing Considerations

Focus on community education and preventive measures to reduce transmission.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A23.0 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, laboratory confirmation, and any related complications
  • Include relevant patient history and exposure risks

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A23.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when brucellosis is suspected and cultures are needed for diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure cultures are sent to labs capable of identifying Brucella.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, improving the accuracy of epidemiological data and facilitating better public health responses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, improving the accuracy of epidemiological data and facilitating better public health responses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, improving the accuracy of epidemiological data and facilitating better public health responses.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Brucellosis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Brucellosis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of brucellosis?

Common symptoms include fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. Chronic cases may lead to more severe complications.

How is brucellosis transmitted?

Brucellosis is primarily transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of aerosols.