ICD-10 Coding for Acute Febrile Illness(R50.9, R50.81, A90)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Febrile Illness. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Febrile Illness
R50-R69Primary Range
General symptoms and signs
This range includes codes for fever and other general symptoms when a specific diagnosis is not established.
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
This range includes specific infectious diseases that can present with fever, such as dengue and malaria.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R50.9 | Fever, unspecified | Use when fever is present but no specific diagnosis has been made. |
|
| R50.81 | Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere | Use when fever is a symptom of a diagnosed condition. |
|
| A90 | Dengue fever | Use when dengue fever is confirmed by laboratory tests. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute febrile illness
Essential facts and insights about Acute Febrile Illness
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute febrile illness
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Fever present without known cause
Applicable To
- Fever NOS
Excludes
- Fever of unknown origin (R50.81)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented fever without a known cause after initial workup
Code-Specific Risks
- Overuse without sufficient documentation of workup
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the absence of a definitive diagnosis.
R50.81 - Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere
Use when fever is a symptom of a diagnosed condition.
Applicable To
- Fever with known underlying condition
Excludes
- Fever NOS (R50.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fever documented with a known underlying condition
Coding Notes
Ensure the underlying condition is documented and coded.
A90 - Dengue fever
Use when dengue fever is confirmed by laboratory tests.
Applicable To
- Dengue fever with hemorrhagic manifestations
Excludes
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (A91)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive dengue NS1 antigen or PCR
Coding Notes
Ensure lab confirmation is documented.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Febrile Illness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R50.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Potential coding audits, Financial: Reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history, Comprehensive diagnostic testing
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation and testing to identify specific causes.
Impact
Fever codes must be sequenced correctly when an underlying condition is present.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on proper coding sequences and documentation requirements.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Febrile Illness, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Febrile Illness
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Febrile Illness. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient presenting with fever and unknown etiology
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Fever duration and pattern
- Associated symptoms
- Initial diagnostic tests
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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