Ornithosis with unspecified complication

This code signifies an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, transmitted from birds to humans, presenting with an unspecified complication. Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, typically manifests as a respiratory illness but can affect multiple organ systems. The "unspecified complication" indicates that while a complication is present, its specific nature is not documented.

This code is appropriate when a patient is diagnosed with ornithosis and the medical record indicates the presence of a complication, but the physician's documentation does not specify the exact nature of that complication (e.g., endocarditis, hepatitis, encephalitis). It should be used when the primary diagnosis is ornithosis and a secondary, unspecific complication is noted.

• Always query the provider for clarification if a complication is mentioned but not specified, to allow for more precise coding.
• Do not use this code if the complication is clearly documented (e.g., ornithosis with pneumonia, ornithosis with myocarditis); instead, code the specific complication.
• This code is for ornithosis (psittacosis) only; do not confuse it with other chlamydial infections.