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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for rickettsiosis

A79.9

Rickettsiosis, unspecified

✓ Billable / specificCC — complication/comorbidity

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

About coding rickettsiosis

The ICD-10-CM code for rickettsiosis is A79.9 (Rickettsiosis, unspecified). The official index lists 6 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A79.9.

Within A79, choose A79.9 (Rickettsiosis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Trench fever (A79.0), Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari (A79.1) and other specified rickettsioses (A79.8).

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 867 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 2.1859), DRG 868 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 1.0235) and DRG 869 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6787), in MDC 18 (Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Systemic or Unspecified Sites), 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 rickettsiosis codes (official index)

  • due to
  • Ehrlichia sennetsu A79.81 — Rickettsiosis due to Ehrlichia sennetsu
  • Neorickettsia sennetsu A79.81 — Rickettsiosis due to Ehrlichia sennetsu
  • Rickettsia akari (rickettsialpox) A79.1 — Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari
  • specified type NEC A79.89 — Other specified rickettsioses
  • tick-borne A77.9 — Spotted fever, unspecified
  • vesicular A79.1 — Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

Common questions about rickettsiosis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for rickettsiosis?

A79.9 — Rickettsiosis, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A79.81, A79.81, A79.1, A79.89 and others below.

What is the ICD-10 code for tick-borne rickettsiosis?

A77.9 — Spotted fever, unspecified.

What is the ICD-10 code for vesicular rickettsiosis?

A79.1 — Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari.

Is A79.9 billable?

Yes. A79.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can A79.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A79.9 as a principal diagnosis.

Is A79.9 a CC or MCC?

A79.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.