2025 ICD-10-CM code A22.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Certain zoonotic bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Anthrax, unspecified.
Medical necessity for the use of this code is established by the confirmation of an anthrax infection through clinical findings and laboratory testing. The unspecified nature signifies the need for further investigation to determine the specific type of anthrax.
The provider diagnoses the patient based on history and physical examination. Laboratory tests of the patient’s blood, spinal fluid, respiratory secretions, or skin specimen can detect the toxins of the B. anthracis bacterium. The provider may perform chest X–ray or CT scan in case of inhalation anthrax. Treatment includes the use of antibiotics and antitoxins.
In simple words: This code is used when a person has anthrax, a serious infection caused by bacteria, but the doctor hasn't determined which part of the body is affected (like the skin, lungs, or digestive system).
This code represents a diagnosis of anthrax where the specific type (cutaneous, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, etc.) is not specified.
Example 1: A patient presents with fever, chills, and a sore throat, but the specific type of anthrax is not yet determined., A patient has been exposed to anthrax spores, but the symptoms have not yet manifested, and the type of anthrax is unknown., A patient presents with general symptoms of infection, and anthrax is suspected, but further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and specify the type.
Documentation should support the diagnosis of anthrax. This may include physical exam findings, lab results (e.g., blood cultures, respiratory secretions), imaging studies (e.g., chest x-ray, CT scan), and history of exposure.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, emergency medicine, internal medicine, family medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Public Health Clinic