Other specified types of plague

This code represents a diagnosis of plague that does not fit into the more specific categories of bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic plague. It encompasses less common or atypical presentations of Yersinia pestis infection, such as pharyngeal, meningeal, or cutaneous forms, when the primary site of infection or systemic manifestation is not clearly bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of plague, but the clinical presentation is described as "other specified" or a form not otherwise classified (e.g., plague meningitis, plague pharyngitis, or cutaneous plague without evidence of buboes, pneumonia, or sepsis). Supporting documentation must clearly indicate a confirmed or suspected plague infection with a non-standard presentation.

• Do not use this code if the documentation clearly specifies bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic plague; use the more specific codes within the 020 category.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "other specified types of plague" or details a form of plague not covered by 020.0-020.2.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it represents the reason for the encounter, unless another condition is clearly identified as the principal diagnosis.