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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA98.5

A98.5

Yellow fever.

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A98.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of yellow fever..

Key Diagnostic Point:

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. The disease is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America. The clinical presentation of yellow fever can range from mild to severe, with symptoms typically appearing 3 to 6 days after infection. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and headache. In severe cases, patients may progress to a more serious phase characterized by abdominal pain, liver damage, and bleeding due to liver failure, which can lead to a high mortality rate. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical history, including travel to endemic areas, and serological testing. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, and it is often required for travelers to certain regions. Given the potential for outbreaks, especially in unvaccinated populations, accurate coding and documentation are crucial for public health tracking and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate travel history documentation.
  • Differentiation from other viral hemorrhagic fevers.
  • Potential for co-infection with other arboviruses.
  • Variability in clinical presentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of travel history.
  • Failure to document vaccination status.
  • Misdiagnosis due to symptom overlap with other conditions.
  • Lack of serological test results in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed travel history, vaccination records, and laboratory test results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and travel history to endemic areas.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses and co-infections.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of symptoms, travel history, and vaccination status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute febrile illness returning from endemic regions.

Billing Considerations

Rapid identification and isolation protocols for suspected cases.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A98.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A98
  • 5 should be used when a patient is diagnosed with yellow fever, particularly when there is a documented travel history to endemic areas

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A98.5 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other viral hemorrhagic fevers unless specifically confirmed

Related CPT Codes

86790CPT Code

Antibody test for yellow fever virus.

Clinical Scenario

Used when yellow fever is suspected based on travel history and symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant travel history.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yellow fever, improving tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas and among travelers.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yellow fever, improving tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas and among travelers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of yellow fever, improving tracking and management of the disease in endemic areas and among travelers.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Yellow Fever Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Yellow Fever Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mode of transmission for yellow fever?

Yellow fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.