Other specified bartonellosis
ICD-10 A44.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified bartonellosis.
Bartonellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. The most common species associated with human disease include Bartonella henselae, which causes cat scratch fever, and Bartonella bacilliformis, which is responsible for Carrion's disease. Other species can lead to various clinical manifestations, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In these individuals, bartonellosis can present as opportunistic infections, leading to severe complications such as endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, and other systemic infections. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms, which may include fever, lymphadenopathy, and skin lesions. Serological tests and PCR can aid in diagnosis, but may not always be definitive. The complexity of diagnosing and coding for other specified bartonellosis arises from the need to differentiate it from other similar infections and to recognize its potential severity in immunocompromised patients, who may present atypically. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the patient's clinical history and the specific Bartonella species involved.
Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with fever of unknown origin, lymphadenopathy, or skin lesions.
Consideration of immunocompromised status and potential for opportunistic infections.
Comprehensive patient history and symptom documentation.
Patients with recent exposure to cats or travel history to endemic areas.
Awareness of the need for referral to specialists for complex cases.
Used when bartonellosis is suspected based on clinical presentation.
Document the reason for testing and clinical findings.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.
Common symptoms include fever, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, and skin lesions, but symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific species and the patient's immune status.
