2025 ICD-10-CM code A25.9
Rat-bite fever, unspecified.
Medical necessity is established by the signs and symptoms of rat-bite fever, along with confirmed or suspected exposure to infected rodents.The documentation must support the diagnosis and the chosen treatment plan.
Diagnosis and treatment of rat-bite fever. This includes evaluating the patient's symptoms, exposure history, conducting laboratory tests, and prescribing appropriate antibiotics such as penicillin. Patient education on preventing exposure to infected rodents and contaminated food/water is also important.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- A25 Rat-bite feversA25.0 SpirillosisA25.1 StreptobacillosisA25.9 Rat-bite fever, unspecified
In simple words: Rat-bite fever is an infection you can get from a rat bite or scratch, or by eating or drinking something contaminated by rats.There are two types of rat-bite fever, but this code is used when the doctor doesn't specify which type it is.
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is an infectious disease transmitted by infected rodents through skin scratches and bites or ingested with contaminated food or water. RBF can be caused by two bacteria; *Streptobacillus moniliformis* causes streptobacillary RBF and *Spirillum minus* causes spirillary RBF or sodoku.This code is used when the specific type of rat-bite fever is not documented.
Example 1: A patient presents with fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash after being bitten by a rat. The specific type of rat-bite fever is not determined, so A25.9 is used., A patient who consumed food contaminated by rodents develops fever, vomiting, and chills. Without specific bacteria identification, the diagnosis is coded as A25.9., A child with a history of playing in a rat-infested area presents with relapsing fever and swollen lymph nodes.In the absence of further testing to identify the specific type of rat-bite fever, A25.9 is assigned.
Documentation should include details of the rat bite or exposure to rodents, the presenting symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, etc.), and any laboratory test results. If antibiotics are prescribed, the type and duration of treatment should be documented.
** This code represents a diagnosis of rat-bite fever, unspecified, which may require further investigation to identify the causative agent and tailor treatment appropriately.For accurate reporting and reimbursement, appropriate documentation of the clinical findings and treatment plan is crucial.As of today, November 30, 2024, this information is current, but it's always recommended to consult the latest ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for any updates.
- Payment Status: Billable/Specific
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Home, Public Health Clinic