Fever of other and unknown origin
ICD-10 R50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fever of other and unknown origin.
Fever of other and unknown origin (FUO) is defined as a fever that persists for more than three weeks without an identified cause after thorough investigation. It is characterized by a body temperature exceeding 38.3°C (101°F) on several occasions. The clinical context of FUO is complex, as it can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including infections, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory disorders. Common causes include infections (e.g., tuberculosis, endocarditis), malignancies (e.g., lymphomas), and non-infectious inflammatory conditions (e.g., Still's disease). The diagnostic approach typically involves a detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests (including blood cultures, imaging studies), and sometimes invasive procedures to identify the underlying cause. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the fever's duration, associated symptoms, and any diagnostic efforts undertaken to rule out specific conditions.
Detailed history of fever, associated symptoms, and results of diagnostic tests.
Patients presenting with prolonged fever without clear etiology, requiring extensive workup.
Consideration of chronic conditions that may present with FUO.
Acute assessment of fever, vital signs, and initial lab results.
Patients with acute fever presentation, requiring immediate evaluation for serious conditions.
Rapid identification of life-threatening causes of fever.
Used when a patient with FUO is admitted for extensive evaluation.
Detailed history, examination, and medical decision-making.
Internal medicine specialists often manage these cases.
A fever must persist for more than three weeks without an identified cause to be classified as fever of unknown origin.
