Spotted fevers

This code represents a group of acute infectious diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria, characterized by fever, headache, and a rash that typically appears on the extremities and spreads to the trunk. The most well-known condition within this group is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These infections are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks.

Assign this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of "spotted fever" or a specific rickettsial infection belonging to the spotted fever group, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This code is appropriate when the causative organism is identified as Rickettsia rickettsii or a similar Rickettsia species causing a spotted fever.

• Do not use this code for other rickettsial infections like typhus, which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "spotted fever" or a specific condition like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the patient's encounter.