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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA28.0

A28.0

Lymphadenitis, acute, primary

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A28.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lymphadenitis, acute, primary.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute primary lymphadenitis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the swelling and tenderness of lymph nodes, typically resulting from an infection. This condition can arise from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and, in some cases, zoonotic pathogens. Zoonotic infections, which are transmitted from animals to humans, can lead to acute lymphadenitis when pathogens such as Bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever) or Francisella tularensis (tularemia) invade the lymphatic system. The clinical presentation often includes fever, localized pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which may be palpable on examination. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and in some cases, drainage of abscesses may be necessary. Public health considerations are crucial, especially in areas where zoonotic diseases are prevalent, necessitating awareness and preventive measures to reduce transmission risks.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential infectious agents causing lymphadenitis
  • Differentiation between primary and secondary lymphadenitis
  • Need for accurate documentation of zoonotic exposure
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infectious agent
  • Failure to note zoonotic exposure history
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic lymphadenitis
  • Lack of supporting lab results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of exposure, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with swollen lymph nodes after animal exposure or recent travel.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes specific zoonotic infections and their management.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including recent infections and travel history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute febrile illness and lymphadenopathy.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the timeline of symptoms and any potential zoonotic exposures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A28.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the acute nature of the condition and any relevant infectious agents

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A28.0 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for acute primary lymphadenitis

Related CPT Codes

10060CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when an abscess forms in the lymph node area.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and characteristics of the abscess.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may need to provide additional context for the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute lymphadenitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute lymphadenitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Zoonotic Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Zoonotic Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acute lymphadenitis?

Common causes include bacterial infections from zoonotic sources, such as cat scratch fever and tularemia, as well as viral infections.