Brucellosis, unspecified

This code represents an infection caused by bacteria from the genus Brucella, where the specific type of brucellosis has not been identified or documented. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, often through contact with infected livestock or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Symptoms can be varied and non-specific, including fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, and muscle pain.

Use this code when the medical record clearly indicates a diagnosis of brucellosis, but the physician has not specified the particular species of Brucella (e.g., Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus). This code is appropriate when laboratory confirmation of brucellosis is present, but further speciation is either pending, not performed, or not documented.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific brucellosis code (e.g., A23.0 for Brucella melitensis) can be assigned based on documentation.
• Query the provider for clarification if the documentation mentions brucellosis but lacks specificity, to ensure the most precise code is used.
• Consider co-occurring conditions or complications of brucellosis, such as osteomyelitis or endocarditis, and code them separately if documented.