Plague, unspecified

This code represents a confirmed or suspected case of plague where the specific type (e.g., bubonic, pneumonic, septicemic) is not documented or is unknown. Plague is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, typically transmitted to humans through infected flea bites from rodents.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with plague, and diagnostic testing is pending or the specific clinical manifestation has not been determined by the provider. It is appropriate for initial encounters or when the physician's documentation only states "plague" without further specificity.

• Always seek clarification from the provider if a more specific type of plague (e.g., bubonic, pneumonic) is suspected or later confirmed, as more granular codes exist.
• This code should be used cautiously in modern practice given the rarity of plague; ensure documentation fully supports the diagnosis.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated symptoms or complications, if documented, but plague itself would typically be the principal diagnosis.