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 CodesA84.9

A84.9

Tick-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A84.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tick-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tick-borne viral encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The disease is endemic in certain regions, particularly in Europe and Asia, where the Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks are prevalent. The clinical presentation can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological complications, including encephalitis, meningitis, and myelitis. Patients may experience fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and motor deficits. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through serological testing for specific antibodies against the TBE virus. Vaccination is available and recommended for individuals at high risk, such as those living in endemic areas or engaging in outdoor activities in these regions. The unspecified designation in this code indicates that the specific type or severity of the encephalitis is not documented, which may complicate treatment and management decisions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the disease.
  • Need for serological confirmation which may not always be documented.
  • Differentiation from other viral encephalitides.
  • Potential for co-infection with other tick-borne diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical symptoms.
  • Lack of serological test results in the medical record.
  • Failure to document vaccination history.
  • Misclassification of the severity of the disease.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and vaccination status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms after tick exposure.

Billing Considerations

Ensure serological tests are documented and specify the type of encephalitis when possible.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute neurological deficits and a history of tick exposure.

Billing Considerations

Document all neurological assessments and any differential diagnoses considered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A84.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of clinical findings and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A84.9 When
  • Exclude codes for other viral encephalitides unless specifically documented

Related CPT Codes

86788CPT Code

Viral antibody testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of TBE.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tick-borne diseases, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of epidemiological trends.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tick-borne diseases, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of epidemiological trends.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tick-borne diseases, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of epidemiological trends.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Tick-Borne Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Tick-Borne Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of tick-borne viral encephalitis?

Symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and motor deficits.

How is tick-borne viral encephalitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and confirmed with serological testing for TBE virus antibodies.

Is there a vaccine for tick-borne viral encephalitis?

Yes, a vaccine is available and recommended for individuals at high risk, particularly in endemic areas.