ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA28.9

A28.9

Other specified zoonotic bacterial diseases, unspecified.

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A28.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified zoonotic bacterial diseases, unspecified..

Key Diagnostic Point:

Zoonotic bacterial diseases are infections that are transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact, bites, or through vectors such as ticks and fleas. The term 'other specified zoonotic bacterial diseases' encompasses a variety of infections caused by bacteria that are not classified under more specific zoonotic diseases. These infections can arise from exposure to infected animals, contaminated food or water, or environmental sources. Common zoonotic bacterial pathogens include Brucella, Leptospira, and Francisella, among others. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific pathogen and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis often requires a thorough patient history, including potential animal exposure, and may involve serological tests or cultures. Public health considerations are critical, as zoonotic diseases can lead to outbreaks and pose significant risks to both human and animal health. Surveillance and control measures are essential to prevent transmission, particularly in areas where humans and animals interact closely.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential pathogens leading to diverse clinical presentations.
  • Need for thorough patient history to identify zoonotic exposure.
  • Overlap with other infectious diseases complicating diagnosis.
  • Variability in laboratory testing and results interpretation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of animal exposure history.
  • Lack of specificity in clinical notes regarding symptoms.
  • Inconsistent use of laboratory results to support diagnosis.
  • Failure to document public health reporting requirements.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including animal exposure, symptoms, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and recent travel to rural areas or contact with animals.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses and potential co-infections.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Reports on outbreaks, surveillance data, and epidemiological studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Investigation of zoonotic disease outbreaks in communities.

Billing Considerations

Collaboration with veterinary services for comprehensive data collection.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A28.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of symptoms, exposure history, and laboratory findings
  • 9 should be used when the specific zoonotic bacterial disease is not identified but is suspected based on clinical presentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A28.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when a zoonotic infection is suspected and cultures are needed.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and clinical symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional details on exposure history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed classification of zoonotic diseases, enabling better tracking and management of these infections. A28.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified zoonotic bacterial diseases, which can help in epidemiological studies and public health responses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed classification of zoonotic diseases, enabling better tracking and management of these infections. A28.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified zoonotic bacterial diseases, which can help in epidemiological studies and public health responses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed classification of zoonotic diseases, enabling better tracking and management of these infections. A28.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified zoonotic bacterial diseases, which can help in epidemiological studies and public health responses.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Zoonotic Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Zoonotic Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use A28.9?

Use A28.9 when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a zoonotic bacterial infection, but the specific pathogen has not been identified.