Other specified filariasis

This code represents a parasitic infection caused by various species of filarial nematodes, excluding those specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus). These infections can manifest with diverse symptoms depending on the parasite species and affected tissues, often involving lymphatic obstruction, subcutaneous nodules, or ocular involvement.

Use this code when documentation specifies filariasis due to a particular filarial species not otherwise classified in ICD-9-CM, such as Mansonella spp. or Dirofilaria spp. This code is appropriate when the physician explicitly identifies a "specified" type of filariasis that doesn't have a more precise code.

• Ensure the medical record clearly identifies the specific type of filariasis to justify using an "other specified" code.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific ICD-9-CM code exists for the documented filarial infection.
• Review the patient's travel history and endemic regions for filarial diseases to support the diagnosis.