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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA23.9

A23.9

Brucellosis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A23.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of brucellosis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, which primarily affects livestock and can be transmitted to humans. The disease is characterized by a range of symptoms, including fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as osteoarticular infections, endocarditis, and neurological disorders. The transmission of Brucella to humans typically occurs through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, direct contact with infected animals, or inhalation of aerosols in laboratory settings. The clinical presentation can vary widely, and diagnosis often requires serological testing or culture of the organism. Given its potential for chronicity and the possibility of relapses, brucellosis poses significant public health concerns, particularly in regions where livestock farming is prevalent. Effective control measures include vaccination of livestock, pasteurization of dairy products, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of transmission.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied clinical presentation and symptomatology
  • Potential for chronic infection and relapses
  • Need for serological testing and laboratory confirmation
  • Differentiation from other febrile illnesses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of exposure history
  • Lack of laboratory confirmation in records
  • Inconsistent symptom reporting
  • Failure to document chronicity or relapses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including exposure risks, symptomatology, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for comprehensive serological testing.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Reports on incidence, outbreak investigations, and vaccination status of livestock.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Monitoring outbreaks in communities with high livestock interaction.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on preventive measures and community education.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A23.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, brucellosis is classified under zoonotic infections
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including exposure history and laboratory confirmation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A23.9 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other febrile illnesses that may mimic brucellosis

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 clinical rationale for culture and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests to confirm diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, enabling better tracking of the disease and its epidemiology. The increased granularity helps in public health reporting and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, enabling better tracking of the disease and its epidemiology. The increased granularity helps in public health reporting and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of brucellosis, enabling better tracking of the disease and its epidemiology. The increased granularity helps in public health reporting and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Brucellosis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Brucellosis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of brucellosis?

Common symptoms include fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain. Some patients may experience 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 in laboratory settings.