Malaria, unspecified

This code represents a diagnosis of malaria where the specific parasitic species causing the infection has not been identified or documented. It indicates the presence of malarial disease without further microbiological or clinical specification of the causative Plasmodium species.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of malaria but lacks details regarding the specific Plasmodium species (e.g., P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae). This is appropriate when laboratory results are pending or inconclusive, or when the physician's diagnosis simply states "malaria" without further elaboration.

• Avoid using this code if the specific Plasmodium species is documented; instead, code to the more specific malaria type.
• Query the provider for clarification on the Plasmodium species if possible, especially if treatment protocols vary by species.
• This code should be used as a last resort when no further specificity can be obtained from the medical record.