Rabies, unspecified

This code represents a diagnosis of rabies where the specific form or manifestation of the disease is not documented. Rabies is an acute, progressive viral encephalomyelitis that is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

Use this code when the medical record confirms a diagnosis of rabies, but there is no further specificity regarding its clinical presentation (e.g., paralytic, furious). This code is appropriate when the documentation simply states "rabies" without additional detail. Documentation should clearly indicate a confirmed diagnosis of rabies.

• Avoid using this code if the medical record provides specific details about the type of rabies; instead, use a more specific code from category A82.
• Always review the entire medical record for any additional information that might allow for more specific coding.
• This code is for the confirmed disease, not for exposure or prophylactic treatment. For exposure, refer to codes in category Z20.3.