What A27 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code A27 identifies Leptospirosis in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases chapter (A00–B99), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply A27 when an encounter's findings match the Leptospirosis description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify A27 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for A27 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
A27 represents Leptospirosis, a rare but serious bacterial infection that may be zoonotic or vector-borne. This ICD10 code is vital for documenting and tracking such infections, especially in public health surveillance and outbreak control. Proper identification using this code ensures appropriate treatment and containment strategies, particularly in cases with potential for rapid spread or biosecurity implications.
Symptoms
- Fever – Sudden or recurring with chills
- Fatigue – General weakness and exhaustion
- Swollen lymph nodes – Especially in bacterial infections like plague or tularemia
- Skin lesions – Depending on the pathogen, visible sores or rashes may occur
- Respiratory distress – Particularly in pulmonary forms of anthrax or glanders
- Abdominal pain – May accompany systemic infection
- Muscle aches – Common in leptospirosis or brucellosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Leptospirosis involves a detailed clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Blood cultures, serologic tests, PCR, or tissue biopsies may be required to isolate the causative organism. Rapid identification is essential for prompt treatment and to prevent complications. Travel history, exposure to animals, or occupational risks can offer critical diagnostic clues in zoonotic infections.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code A27 is used in medical documentation, public health records, and insurance billing to classify rare bacterial infections of zoonotic origin. It allows for standardized reporting across healthcare systems and assists in outbreak management, biosurveillance, and health informatics. Accurate usage is essential for guiding treatment protocols, managing infectious disease risks, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for care provided.
Related Codes
- A20 – Plague
- A21 – Tularemia
- A22 – Anthrax
- A23 – Brucellosis
- A24 – Glanders and melioidosis
- A25 – Rat-bite fevers
- A26 – Erysipeloid
- A28 – Other zoonotic bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code A27?
A: This code refers to Leptospirosis, used to classify zoonotic or rare bacterial infections in health records.
Q2: Are these infections contagious?
A: Many are, especially through contact with infected animals or vectors such as fleas or rodents.
Q3: Can Leptospirosis be fatal?
A: Yes, without timely treatment, several of these diseases can lead to severe complications or death.
Q4: Is hospitalization required?
A: Often, yes—especially for severe or systemic infections requiring antibiotics and monitoring.
Q5: Who is most at risk?
A: People in agriculture, veterinary fields, or those in contact with wildlife or contaminated water sources.
Conclusion
ICD10 code A27 plays an essential role in documenting and managing cases of Leptospirosis. Accurate coding supports timely treatment, outbreak control, and comprehensive public health strategies. Given the zoonotic and potentially serious nature of these infections, awareness and correct use of ICD10 codes are crucial for protecting both individual and community health.