ICD-10 Code A20.2 – Pneumonic plague (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A20.2 – Pneumonic plague
What it is
A20.2 identifies pneumonic plague, a severe form of plague that affects the lungs. Use it when documentation shows Yersinia pestis infection with pulmonary involvement.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include abrupt fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmed respiratory involvement or evidence of plague pneumonia.
When to use this code
Use A20.2 when the provider documents pneumonic plague, primary or secondary, as the diagnosed condition. Apply it when the chart clearly links plague infection to lung disease or respiratory symptoms. If the record only says plague without site details, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for bubonic or septicemic plague unless pneumonic involvement is documented. Do not assign it for nonspecific pneumonia or suspected plague without confirmation.
Coding tip
Code the most specific plague type documented; if the record is unclear, query for the anatomic form.