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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA23.1

A23.1

Brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A23.1 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 bacterium Brucella melitensis, primarily affecting livestock such as goats and sheep. Humans typically contract the disease through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of aerosols. The clinical presentation can vary widely, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe systemic illness. Common symptoms include fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. Chronic brucellosis can lead to complications such as osteoarticular infections, endocarditis, and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis is often confirmed through serological tests, blood cultures, or PCR testing. Public health measures focus on controlling the disease in animal populations, promoting pasteurization of dairy products, and educating at-risk populations about safe handling practices. Surveillance and reporting of brucellosis cases are crucial for managing outbreaks and preventing transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various Brucella species.
  • Understanding zoonotic transmission routes.
  • Recognizing the range of clinical manifestations.
  • Navigating public health reporting requirements.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of exposure history.
  • Failure to report chronic complications.
  • Misinterpretation of serological test results.
  • Lack of clarity in symptom descriptions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including exposure risks and symptom chronology.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever of unknown origin or chronic fatigue.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all laboratory results are documented and linked to the diagnosis.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Reporting of cases, including epidemiological data and contact tracing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Outbreak investigations in communities with livestock exposure.

Billing Considerations

Focus on preventive measures and community education.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A23.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for infectious diseases, ensuring accurate documentation of the causative organism and clinical manifestations
  • Include any relevant laboratory findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A23.1 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.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and clinical indications.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure cultures are properly processed.

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 enhancing 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 enhancing 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 enhancing 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 present with more severe symptoms.

How is brucellosis transmitted?

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