2025 ICD-10-CM code A25
Rat-bite fevers.
Medical necessity for treatment of RBF is established by the confirmation of the diagnosis through clinical findings and laboratory testing.Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent potentially serious complications.
Clinicians should obtain a thorough history of animal exposure, particularly rodent bites or scratches, and conduct a physical exam. Diagnosis involves laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids to identify the bacteria. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, such as penicillin or doxycycline, for 7-14 days. Patient education on preventive measures is essential.
In simple words: Rat-bite fever is an infection you can get from a rat or other rodent bite or scratch.It can also be spread through contact with rodent waste.Two kinds of bacteria cause this infection, one more common in North America and the other in Asia. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, rash, and vomiting.If not treated, it can cause serious problems like infections in other parts of the body.
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a rare bacterial infection transmitted by rodents, such as rats, mice, squirrels, and gerbils, through bites, scratches, or contact with their saliva, feces, or urine. Two types of bacteria cause RBF: Streptobacillus moniliformis (more common in North America) and Spirillum minus (more common in Asia). Symptoms vary depending on the bacteria but generally include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, complications such as infections of the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys can occur.
Example 1: A patient presents with fever, chills, muscle aches, and a rash on their hands and feet after being bitten by a pet rat. A25 is assigned., A child develops fever, vomiting, and joint pain a week after playing in an area with a known rodent infestation.Although no bite is observed, RBF is suspected, and A25 is coded., An individual working in a pet store develops fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes after handling rodents. Testing confirms Spirillum minus infection, leading to the assignment of A25.
Documentation should include details of the animal exposure (bite, scratch, or contact with rodent waste), onset and nature of symptoms, physical exam findings (e.g., presence of rash, swollen lymph nodes), laboratory test results confirming the causative bacteria, and treatment provided (antibiotics).
** RBF can be challenging to diagnose due to its flu-like initial symptoms and the fact that the bite or scratch may have healed by the time symptoms appear.A high index of suspicion is necessary, especially in individuals with a history of rodent exposure.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Home, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home