Skip to content
Dx

ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for rabies

A82.9

Rabies, unspecified

✓ Billable / specificCC — complication/comorbidity

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Rabies”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding rabies

The ICD-10-CM code for rabies is A82.9 (Rabies, unspecified). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A82.9.

Within A82, choose A82.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Sylvatic rabies (A82.0) and urban rabies (A82.1).

As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 023 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis with MCC or Antineoplastic Implant or Epilepsy with Neurostimulator, relative weight 5.7444), DRG 024 (Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis without MCC, relative weight 3.9708), DRG 097 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with MCC, relative weight 3.8226), DRG 098 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with CC, relative weight 2.2706) and DRG 099 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 1.5256), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific rabies codes (official index)

  • contact Z20.3 — Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rabies
  • exposure to Z20.3 — Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rabies
  • inoculation reaction
  • sylvatic A82.0 — Sylvatic rabies
  • urban A82.1 — Urban rabies

Common questions about rabies ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for rabies?

A82.9 — Rabies, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z20.3, Z20.3, A82.0, A82.1.

What is the ICD-10 code for contact rabies?

Z20.3 — Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rabies.

What is the ICD-10 code for exposure to rabies?

Z20.3 — Contact with and (suspected) exposure to rabies.

What is the ICD-10 code for sylvatic rabies?

A82.0 — Sylvatic rabies.

What is the ICD-10 code for urban rabies?

A82.1 — Urban rabies.

Is A82.9 billable?

Yes. A82.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can A82.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A82.9 as a principal diagnosis.

Is A82.9 a CC or MCC?

A82.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.