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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA74.9

A74.9

Dengue fever, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A74.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dengue fever, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. The disease is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Dengue fever can progress to severe dengue, which can lead to serious complications such as plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and organ impairment. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific type or severity of dengue fever has not been documented. Clinicians must consider the patient's travel history, symptoms, and laboratory findings to confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory tests, including serological tests for dengue-specific IgM and IgG antibodies, play a crucial role in diagnosis. The management of dengue fever primarily involves supportive care, including hydration and pain relief, as there is no specific antiviral treatment available. Understanding the clinical presentation and potential complications is essential for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of dengue fever.
  • Need for accurate travel history documentation.
  • Differentiation from other febrile illnesses.
  • Potential for progression to severe dengue requiring additional coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of travel history.
  • Failure to document laboratory confirmation.
  • Misclassification of dengue severity.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, travel history, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and rash after travel to endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of symptom onset and progression.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs and initial lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute febrile illness and potential dengue exposure.

Billing Considerations

Rapid identification of severe dengue signs for timely intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A74.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A74
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of dengue fever is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and laboratory findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A74.9 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where the type of dengue fever is specified or when other febrile illnesses are diagnosed

Related CPT Codes

86790CPT Code

Dengue virus serology test

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm dengue virus infection in patients with febrile illness.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and the clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and travel history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dengue fever, improving the ability to track and manage cases. A74.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can lead to challenges in data accuracy and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dengue fever, improving the ability to track and manage cases. A74.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can lead to challenges in data accuracy and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dengue fever, improving the ability to track and manage cases. A74.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can lead to challenges in data accuracy and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Dengue Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Dengue Information

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use A74.9?

A74.9 should be used when the specific type of dengue fever is not documented, and the clinical presentation suggests a dengue infection without further specification.