2025 ICD-10-CM code A23.8
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Certain zoonotic bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Other brucellosis. This code is used for brucellosis not otherwise specified, such as infections caused by B. pinnipediae and B. cetaceae transmitted from marine animals.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with the disease, along with confirmatory laboratory findings.The medical record should clearly document the patient's presentation and the rationale for diagnostic testing and treatment.
Clinicians should perform a thorough evaluation, including taking a detailed history, physical exam, and ordering appropriate laboratory tests (blood, urine, spinal fluid cultures) to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and supportive care for symptom management. Patient education on preventive measures, like avoiding undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy, is also essential.
In simple words: This code indicates brucellosis caused by less common Brucella species, typically transmitted by marine animals like seals and whales. Brucellosis is an infection you can get from animals.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. This code (A23.8) specifically refers to brucellosis caused by species other than those explicitly listed in the ICD-10-CM, such as Brucella pinnipediae and Brucella cetaceae, which are associated with marine mammals.
Example 1: A marine biologist develops fever, chills, and muscle aches after handling a seal. Lab tests identify Brucella pinnipediae, so A23.8 is used., A patient presents with symptoms consistent with brucellosis, but the specific Brucella species cannot be identified through standard testing. Since the species isn't one of the explicitly listed types, A23.8 is used., An individual consuming imported, unpasteurized cheese develops brucellosis. Cultures identify a Brucella species not covered by the existing codes. A23.8 would be the appropriate code.
Documentation should include details of symptoms (fever, fatigue, joint pain), exposure history (contact with marine animals, consumption of unpasteurized products), lab results confirming Brucella infection, and species identification if available.If the species is not identified, the provider should document this and their clinical rationale for using A23.8.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, internal medicine, family medicine, travel medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital