Codes for Special Purposes (U00–U85)

Chapter 22 of the ICD-10-CM covers codes created for special purposes, primarily identified within the U00–U85 range. These codes are reserved for unique uses such as identifying new diseases, unusual cases, and certain public health concerns that don't fit into standard categories.

The codes in this chapter include those assigned to emerging infections like novel viruses, bioterrorism agents, and other extraordinary health events requiring precise tracking. They also cover instances of health hazards or conditions not yet classified elsewhere, making this chapter essential for public health surveillance and reporting. Medical coders and healthcare providers use these codes to document and monitor unusual or newly identified health issues that fall outside typical diagnostic categories, ensuring proper classification during outbreaks, emergencies, or when new diseases arise.