Queensland tick typhus

This code represents Queensland tick typhus, a rickettsial infection caused by Rickettsia australis. It is characterized by fever, headache, rash, and often a primary eschar at the site of the tick bite. The disease is typically mild and self-limiting.

Use this code for confirmed cases of Queensland tick typhus, diagnosed clinically and/or through laboratory testing (e.g., serology). Documentation should clearly indicate exposure to ticks in endemic areas and the characteristic signs and symptoms. This code is appropriate when the physician explicitly states this specific diagnosis.

• Differentiate from other rickettsial infections, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or murine typhus, which have distinct codes.
• Ensure documentation specifies "Queensland tick typhus" to avoid miscoding with other forms of typhus.
• Consider an additional code for the tick bite itself if documented and relevant to the encounter.