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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA27.9

A27.9

Leptospirosis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A27.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of leptospirosis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. It is primarily a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The infection can occur through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or through contaminated water, soil, or food. Common animal reservoirs include rodents, livestock, and wildlife. Symptoms of leptospirosis can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness, including jaundice, renal failure, and hemorrhagic manifestations. The disease can be asymptomatic in some individuals, complicating diagnosis. The unspecified designation in this code indicates that the specific serovar or clinical manifestation is not documented, which can occur in cases where laboratory confirmation is pending or when the clinical presentation is not fully characterized. Public health considerations are significant, as outbreaks can occur in areas with poor sanitation and flooding, highlighting the need for effective surveillance and control measures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for laboratory confirmation for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential for co-infections with other zoonotic diseases
  • Documentation of exposure history can be challenging

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of exposure history
  • Lack of laboratory confirmation in the medical record
  • Inconsistent symptom descriptions
  • Failure to document co-morbid conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, exposure history, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, myalgia, and history of exposure to contaminated water.

Billing Considerations

Ensure laboratory confirmation is documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and symptom assessment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with flu-like symptoms returning from endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Consider differential diagnoses and document any travel history.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A27.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the unspecified code is used only when the specific type of leptospirosis is not documented
  • Include relevant clinical details and exposure history in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A27.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture for Leptospira

Clinical Scenario

Used when leptospirosis is suspected and culture confirmation is needed.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper specimen handling.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

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

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Leptospirosis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Leptospirosis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of leptospirosis?

Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.