ICD-10 Guide

A98.0

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A98.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which is primarily transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues. The disease is endemic in parts of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Clinically, CCHF presents with a sudden onset of fever, myalgia, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by a hemorrhagic phase characterized by bleeding from mucosal surfaces, petechiae, and potentially severe complications such as shock and multi-organ failure. The case fatality rate can be as high as 30%. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through serological tests or PCR. Given its zoonotic nature and potential for outbreaks, particularly in endemic regions, healthcare providers must be vigilant in assessing travel history and exposure risks in patients presenting with compatible symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Requires knowledge of endemic regions and travel history.
Differentiation from other viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Need for accurate documentation of exposure history.
Potential for severe complications requiring detailed clinical notes.

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of travel history.
Failure to document exposure to ticks or infected animals.
Misclassification with other hemorrhagic fevers.
Lack of detailed clinical notes on symptom progression.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed travel history, exposure risks, and clinical progression notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure all relevant symptoms and exposure history are documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of symptoms, travel history, and potential exposure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Emergency presentations of patients with acute febrile illness and bleeding.

Billing Considerations

Rapid identification and documentation are crucial for appropriate coding and management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A98.0 When

Follow official ICD
10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of symptoms, travel history, and exposure risks
Include any relevant laboratory findings that support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A98.0 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87593CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); direct probe technique

Clinical Scenario

Used for confirming CCHF diagnosis through PCR testing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and clinical symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure all relevant clinical information is included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of CCHF, improving the ability to track and manage outbreaks and patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of CCHF, improving the ability to track and manage outbreaks and patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of CCHF, improving the ability to track and manage outbreaks and patient care.

Resources

Clinical References

•
CDC Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Coding & Billing References

•
CDC Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever?

Primary symptoms include sudden onset of fever, myalgia, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bleeding from mucosal surfaces.

How is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever transmitted?

CCHF is transmitted primarily through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues.

What is the case fatality rate for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever?

The case fatality rate can be as high as 30%, depending on the outbreak and patient management.

ICD-10 A98.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever.