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 CodesChapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseasesA80.9

A80.9

Billable

Acute poliomyelitis, unspecified

Chapter 1:Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A80.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute poliomyelitis is a viral infection that primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. The disease is caused by the poliovirus, which can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. The clinical presentation can vary widely, from asymptomatic cases to severe neurological deficits. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In some cases, the virus can invade the motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in flaccid paralysis. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of poliomyelitis (e.g., paralytic or non-paralytic) is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. Vaccination against poliovirus has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease in many parts of the world, but outbreaks can still occur, particularly in unvaccinated populations. Understanding the vaccination status of patients is crucial for accurate coding and public health reporting.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the disease.
  • Need for precise documentation of vaccination status.
  • Differentiation between types of poliomyelitis (e.g., paralytic vs. non-paralytic).
  • Potential for misclassification with other viral CNS infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of vaccination history.
  • Failure to specify the type of poliomyelitis.
  • Misdiagnosis with other viral infections.
  • Incomplete clinical notes regarding neurological assessments.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, vaccination status, and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute flaccid paralysis or neurological symptoms following a viral infection.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of recent travel history and exposure to unvaccinated populations.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging studies, and differential diagnosis documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sudden onset of weakness or paralysis, requiring differential diagnosis from other neurological conditions.

Billing Considerations

Need for comprehensive neurological assessments to rule out other causes of CNS symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A80.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A80
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of poliomyelitis is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A80.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients diagnosed with acute poliomyelitis.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of clinical findings, vaccination status, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation of patient history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of poliomyelitis, enabling better tracking of vaccination status and disease outbreaks. A80.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure accurate documentation to avoid misclassification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of poliomyelitis, enabling better tracking of vaccination status and disease outbreaks. A80.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure accurate documentation to avoid misclassification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of poliomyelitis, enabling better tracking of vaccination status and disease outbreaks. A80.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must ensure accurate documentation to avoid misclassification.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Poliomyelitis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Poliomyelitis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of vaccination status in coding A80.9?

Vaccination status is crucial in coding A80.9 as it helps determine the risk of poliomyelitis and informs public health reporting. Accurate documentation of whether a patient is vaccinated can influence treatment decisions and epidemiological tracking.