ICD-10 Code A22.1 – Pulmonary anthrax (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A22.1 – Pulmonary anthrax
What it is
A22.1 identifies pulmonary anthrax, a serious infection caused by inhalation of Bacillus anthracis spores. Use it when the record specifically documents anthrax involving the lungs or respiratory tract.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Standard references describe fever, cough, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath, with possible rapid progression to severe respiratory illness and mediastinal involvement.
When to use this code
Use A22.1 when the provider documents inhalational or pulmonary anthrax as the confirmed diagnosis. It is also appropriate when charting clearly links anthrax infection to lung involvement, even if the note uses alternate wording such as “respiratory anthrax.”
If documentation only states exposure, suspected anthrax, or a different anthrax form, review the record before coding. Code the condition that is explicitly supported, and check documentation when the anatomic site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or unspecified anthrax. Do not assign it for exposure without confirmed pulmonary disease.
Coding tip
Look for the site and route of infection in the provider note; if pulmonary involvement is not clearly stated, check documentation before selecting A22.1.