ICD-10 Code A20.8 – Other forms of plague (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A20.8 – Other forms of plague
What it is
A20.8 identifies plague cases that do not fit the other named clinical forms of plague. Use it when documentation confirms plague but does not specify bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic type.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Plague may present with acute febrile illness and signs consistent with infection, but the specific form is not stated in the record.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents plague and describes it as another or unspecified form that is not classified elsewhere in the plague category. It is appropriate when the chart supports plague, but the subtype is not clearly identified. Check documentation if the note is incomplete.
Do not use for
Do not use A20.8 if the record identifies bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic plague, because those forms have their own codes. Do not assign it for suspected plague without confirmed documentation.
Coding tip
Code the most specific plague type documented; if the subtype is missing, use A20.8 only after confirming the provider’s wording.