ICD-10 Code A20.7 – Septicemic plague (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A20.7 – Septicemic plague
What it is
A20.7 identifies septicemic plague, a severe Yersinia pestis infection in which the bacteria spread through the bloodstream. Use it when the record specifically documents septicemic plague.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical records may note acute sepsis, fever, weakness, shock, or signs of bloodstream infection, sometimes without the classic bubo findings.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider diagnoses septicemic plague, including confirmed or clearly documented bloodstream involvement due to plague. It may appear as a primary diagnosis or as a complication of another documented plague presentation. If the note only says “plague” or “suspected plague,” check documentation for the specific type.
Do not use for
Do not use A20.7 for bubonic, pneumonic, or unspecified plague unless septicemia is documented. Do not assign it for general sepsis without a plague diagnosis.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “septicemic plague” or “plague with septicemia” before selecting A20.7.