Other specified tick-borne rickettsioses

This code represents tick-borne rickettsial infections that are not specifically classified elsewhere. These are bacterial diseases transmitted by ticks, causing symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and malaise, and can affect various organ systems. It encompasses rickettsioses where the specific type is known but lacks a dedicated ICD-9-CM code.

Use this code when documentation clearly identifies a tick-borne rickettsial infection, but the specific rickettsial species (e.g., Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia philipii) does not have a more precise ICD-9-CM code. This applies when the physician's diagnosis specifies a rickettsial disease transmitted by ticks that falls outside of the more common or specifically coded rickettsial conditions.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "tick-borne" and "rickettsiosis" for appropriate code assignment.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific ICD-9-CM code exists for the documented rickettsial infection (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Boutonneuse fever).
• Review physician notes for specific rickettsial species mentioned; if a more precise code is available in ICD-10-CM, consider the transition implications.