Fever ICD-10-CM Codes

Read this short guide to learn about Fever ICD codes you can use!

By Harriet Murray on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

Use Code
Fever ICD-10-CM Codes

What Fever ICD-10 codes can I use?

If you’re looking for Fever ICD codes, there’s much to pick from. We’ve picked six examples that we believe are good enough to show you what you can expect when browsing for some. Here they are:

  • R50.9 - Fever, unspecified

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a fever, but it’s unspecified as to what kind of fever it is. Once you’ve confirmed the patient's specific type of fever, please use a more specific ICD-10 code.

  • R50.2 - Drug induced fever

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a fever caused by taking a certain drug.

  • R50.82 - Postprocedural fever

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a fever that emerged after a medical procedure.

  • A01.00 - Typhoid fever, unspecified

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have typhoid fever. This kind of fever is characterized by a high body temperature, pain in the abdominal area, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, and muscle aches.

Salmonella Typhi bacterial infections cause it and can become life-threatening if left unchecked and untreated. What is unspecified is the complication. Once the specific complication is identified, use a more specific Typhoid Fever ICD-10 code.

  • A38.9 - Scarlet fever, uncomplicated

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina. Streptococcus bacteria cause this kind of fever. It’s characterized by rashes caused by toxins released by the bacteria. Its other symptoms include high body temperature, sore throat, loss of appetite, headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and stomach pain.

What is unspecified is the complication. Once the specific complication is identified, use a more specific Scarlet Fever ICD-10 code.

  • R50.81 - Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a fever caused by certain conditions. This needs to be paired with another ICD-10 code for the specific cause of the fever.

Items 1-3 and 6 are not valid as principal diagnoses because an underlying condition oftencauses fevers. The principal diagnosis should be an ICD-10 code specific to the causes.

Are these Fever ICD-10 codes billable?

Yes. These Fever ICD-10 codes, while not valid as principal diagnoses, are valid in general and billable.

Clinical information about Fever:

  • Fever, or pyrexia, is a common symptom indicating the body is fighting an infection or illness.
  • Normal body temperature can vary but is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is usually considered to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Fever can be caused by a variety of conditions, including bacterial or viral infections, heat exhaustion, certain inflammatory conditions, and side effects of some medications.
  • Common fever-related symptoms include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever. However, if the fever persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention.
  • Fever prevention mainly focuses on avoiding sources of infection like good hygiene practices, routine vaccinations, and prompt treatment of infections when they occur.

Synonyms include:

  • Acute rise of fever
  • Aseptic fever
  • Biphasic fever
  • Central fever
  • Chronic fever
  • Cough with fever
  • Fever with chills
  • Irregular fever
  • ICD 10 code fever
  • Fever ICD 10 code
  • ICD 10 code for fever of unknown origin
  • ICD 10 code for neutropenic fever
  • ICD-10 code for neutropenic fever
Medical Billing and Coding Software

Commonly asked questions

Besides bacteria and viruses, what are examples of conditions that can cause fevers?

Besides bacteria and viruses, the following can cause fevers: skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), and gastrointestinal infections. Fever can also be a reaction to certain medications like vaccines.

Since fever can cause discomfort, what can be done to treat the discomfort?

A person can take an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These medications can lower the body temperature and lessen the discomfort caused by fevers.

What are fever dreams, and how are they associated with fevers?

The exact cause of fever dreams is unknown, but research suggests that fever dreams are caused by our brains overheating due to fever. When this happens, a person’s cognitive processing is impacted to the point they will start dreaming about bizarre or unusual things.

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work