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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA23.2

A23.2

Brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A23.2 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, sheep, and cattle. Humans typically contract the disease through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of aerosols from infected animal products. The clinical presentation of brucellosis 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 complications can involve osteoarticular manifestations, such as spondylitis or arthritis, and can also affect the liver, spleen, and central nervous system. Diagnosis is often confirmed through serological tests or culture of the organism from blood or other body fluids. Public health measures focus on controlling the disease in animal populations and educating at-risk populations about safe handling and consumption of animal products.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of clinical presentations complicating diagnosis.
  • Differential diagnosis includes multiple other febrile illnesses.
  • Potential for chronic complications requiring long-term management.
  • Need for specific serological testing for accurate diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of exposure history.
  • Failure to document serological test results.
  • Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for chronic cases.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including exposure to livestock and consumption of dairy products.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and flu-like symptoms after exposure to livestock.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all serological tests and cultures are documented to support diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and symptom documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with undiagnosed febrile illness with potential exposure to brucellosis.

Billing Considerations

Consider differential diagnoses and document any relevant travel history.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A23.2 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis and any related complications
  • Include specific details about exposure history and clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A23.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when brucellosis is suspected and cultures are taken.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional documentation for chronic cases.

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 data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of zoonotic diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of zoonotic diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of zoonotic diseases.

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.