A449 - Bacterial infection caused by Bartonella bacteria, type not specified

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 10/3/2025

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

Bartonellosis is an infection caused by Bartonella bacteria, which are typically transmitted through bites from infected fleas, lice, or scratches from infected cats. The 'unspecified' designation means the exact type or strain of Bartonella infection hasn't been identified. Common forms include cat scratch disease (from cat scratches or bites) and trench fever (from body lice). Symptoms can vary widely but may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, and sometimes skin lesions. Some people may have mild symptoms while others can develop more serious complications affecting the heart, brain, or other organs, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Additional Information

Treatment typically involves antibiotics and most patients recover completely. The specific type of Bartonella infection may be determined through additional testing. People with compromised immune systems may need more intensive treatment and monitoring.

Category

Infectious Disease

Medical Specialty

Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine

Expected Costs

We expect this to normally be in the range of:

$200 - $800

This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Clinical evaluation
  • Blood tests or other laboratory studies
  • Medical history including animal exposure

What to Expect After

  • Antibiotic treatment as prescribed
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor response
  • Additional testing if symptoms persist
  • Monitoring for complications

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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