Melioidosis, unspecified

This code represents an infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, from localized skin infections to severe pneumonia, sepsis, and chronic abscesses. It is often referred to as Whitmore's disease and is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.

Use this code when the medical record documents a diagnosis of melioidosis without further specification of the specific manifestation or organ system involved. This code is appropriate when the provider has confirmed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei infection but has not detailed the clinical presentation. Documentation should clearly state "melioidosis, unspecified" or similar.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific manifestation of melioidosis (e.g., pulmonary, septicemic, or cutaneous) is documented; instead, use the appropriate subcategory code.
• Ensure the documentation supports the diagnosis of melioidosis, typically through laboratory confirmation (culture) or strong clinical suspicion in an endemic area.
• Consider sequencing this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter and no more specific melioidosis code is available.