In simple words: Erysipeloid is a skin infection you can get from handling infected animals or meat. It can cause redness and swelling, and sometimes fever. This particular code is used when the doctor doesn't specify what kind of erysipeloid it is.

Erysipeloid is a skin infection caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.It typically affects individuals handling infected animals like fish, shellfish, poultry, or meat. The condition can manifest in three forms: localized (mild, with swelling and redness), diffuse (potentially with fever), or systemic (rare, with possible endocarditis).This code specifies an unspecified type of erysipeloid, meaning the specific form (cutaneous, sepsis, or other) is not documented.

Example 1: A butcher develops localized redness and swelling on their hand after handling raw meat.The diagnosis is confirmed as erysipeloid, but the specific form is not documented, thus A26.9 is used., A fishmonger presents with fever and diffuse skin involvement.Erysipeloid is suspected, but further testing is pending to determine the specific form. A26.9 is used initially., A patient with a history of handling poultry presents with symptoms suggestive of systemic infection.Initial diagnosis is unspecified erysipeloid (A26.9) until further investigation confirms the presence or absence of endocarditis or other systemic manifestations.

Documentation should include the patient's occupation, exposure history, presenting signs and symptoms, and results of diagnostic tests (e.g., culture, PCR). If the specific form of erysipeloid (cutaneous, sepsis, other) is determined, the corresponding code (A26.0, A26.7, A26.8) should be used instead of A26.9.