ICD-10-CM Code A77

Spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses]

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: A00–B99
  3. Section: A75-A79
  4. Block: A77
  5. A77 - Spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses]
Version 2020 Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

A77 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses]. The code is NOT valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:A77
Short Description:Spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses]
Long Description:Spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses]

Consider the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity:

  • A77.0 - Spotted fever due to Rickettsia rickettsii
  • A77.1 - Spotted fever due to Rickettsia conorii
  • A77.2 - Spotted fever due to Rickettsia siberica
  • A77.3 - Spotted fever due to Rickettsia australis
  • A77.4 - Ehrlichiosis
  • A77.40 - Ehrlichiosis, unspecified
  • A77.41 - Ehrlichiosis chafeensis [E. chafeensis]
  • A77.49 - Other ehrlichiosis
  • A77.8 - Other spotted fevers
  • A77.9 - Spotted fever, unspecified

Clinical Information

  • SPOTTED FEVER GROUP RICKETTSIOSIS-. a group of arthropod borne diseases caused by spotted fever bio group members of rickettsia. they are characterized by fever headache and petechial spotted rash.
  • BOUTONNEUSE FEVER-. a febrile disease of the mediterranean area the crimea africa and india caused by infection with rickettsia conorii.
  • ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER-. an acute febrile illness caused by rickettsia rickettsii. it is transmitted to humans by bites of infected ticks and occurs only in north and south america. characteristics include a sudden onset with headache and chills and fever lasting about two to three weeks. a cutaneous rash commonly appears on the extremities and trunk about the fourth day of illness.

Code Classification

  • Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00–B99)
    • Rickettsioses (A75-A79)
      • Spotted fever [tick-borne rickettsioses] (A77)

Code History

  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016
    (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

Information for Patients


Bacterial Infections

Bacteria are living things that have only one cell. Under a microscope, they look like balls, rods, or spirals. They are so small that a line of 1,000 could fit across a pencil eraser. Most bacteria won't hurt you - less than 1 percent of the different types make people sick. Many are helpful. Some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins. Bacteria are also used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese.

But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

Antibiotics are the usual treatment. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will learn to resist them causing antibiotic resistance. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.


[Learn More]

Tick Bites

If you spend time outdoors or have pets that go outdoors, you need to beware of ticks. Ticks are small bloodsucking parasites. Many species transmit diseases to animals and people. Some of the diseases you can get from a tick bite are Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

Some ticks are so small that they can be difficult to see. Ticks may get on you if you walk through areas where they live, such as tall grass, leaf litter or shrubs.

Tick-borne diseases occur worldwide, including in your own backyard. To help protect yourself and your family, you should

  • Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin
  • Wear light-colored protective clothing
  • Tuck pant legs into socks
  • Avoid tick-infested areas
  • Check yourself, your children and your pets daily for ticks and carefully remove any ticks you find

[Learn More]

Previous Code: A75.9

Related Codes

Next Code: A77.0