Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

This code identifies a specific rickettsial infection characterized by a papulovesicular rash and fever, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia akari. It is a mild, self-limiting disease transmitted by mites.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of Rickettsialpox and specifies Rickettsia akari as the causative agent. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical presentation, epidemiological links, and sometimes serological testing or PCR.

• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes Rickettsialpox from other rickettsial infections or viral exanthems.
• Do not confuse with other rickettsial diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or typhus, which have different causative organisms and ICD-10-CM codes.
• Look for specific mention of the etiologic agent, Rickettsia akari, to accurately assign this code.