Ornithosis, unspecified

This code identifies an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic bacterium primarily transmitted from birds to humans. It represents a systemic illness that can manifest with flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and other organ involvement. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the specific type or manifestation of ornithosis is not further detailed in the medical record.

Use this code when the medical record documents a diagnosis of ornithosis, psittacosis, or parrot fever, but lacks further specificity regarding its clinical presentation or causative agent strain. This code is appropriate when the physician's documentation clearly states ornithosis without additional details that would allow for a more specific code. Supporting documentation would include a physician's diagnostic statement.

• Avoid using this code if more specific documentation is available regarding the manifestation (e.g., pneumonia due to ornithosis).
• Ensure the documentation clearly indicates an infection with Chlamydia psittaci or a synonym like psittacosis.
• Consider querying the provider for more specific details if the documentation is vague, to allow for more precise coding.