ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A21.3:Gastrointestinal tularemia

A21.3 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code for Tularemia, unspecified.

Accurate documentation of ICD-10-CM code for Gastrointestinal tularemia facilitates proper diagnosis, effective management, and ensures correct insurance billing. Moreover, it supports public health efforts and enables accurate reimbursement.

Purpose of This Guideline

This guideline explains:

The official use of A21.3
ICD-10-CM coding guidelines
The historical background of this diagnosis code

What is the ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Gastrointestinal tularemia?

The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Gastrointestinal tularemia is A21.3.

Gastrointestinal tularemia is a rare form of tularemia caused by swallowing food or water contaminated with Francisella tularensis. It mainly affects the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness. It can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the abdomen.

The infection spreads through undercooked meat or unclean water. Diagnosis is made with blood tests, stool tests, and clinical signs.

Treatment includes antibiotics like streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline. Early treatment is important to prevent complications and ensure full recovery.

Synonyms used for Gastrointestinal tularemia

Enteric tularemia

History Background of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Gastrointestinal tularemia

The ICD-9-CM system, first introduced in 1979, provided the initial framework for coding diseases and health-related conditions in the United States.

The ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for Gastrointestinal tularemia was 021.0(Enteric tularemia).This coding remained consistent from 1979 to 2015.

However, the ICD-9-CM system offered a basic approach to disease classification, modern healthcare needs more detail and specificity.

To address this, the ICD-10-CM system was launched in 2015. Compared to the old system, ICD-10-CM offered a more complete and clear coding structure.

As a result, the shift from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM improved how we record and understand diseases like Gastrointestinal tularemia.

Moreover, it helped healthcare providers give better care through improved documentation and analysis.

The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM A21.3 became effective on October 1, 2024.

Year	ICD-10-CM Code	Description
2020	A21.3	No Change
2021	A21.3	No Change
2022	A21.3	No Change
2023	A21.3	No Change
2024	A21.3	No Change
2025	A21.3	No Change

Final Thoughts

Proper coding plays a key role in diagnosing and managing Gastrointestinal tularemia. First, it ensures accurate clinical records. Moreover, it helps in planning effective treatment.

In addition, correct use of this code supports patient care and improves health outcomes. Therefore, understanding its purpose and application is important. Finally, it also enables proper billing and guarantees timely reimbursement for healthcare services. services.

Dr. Sehrish Bano, CPB & CPC

As a certified professional in both billing and coding, I specialize in streamlining healthcare revenue cycles and ensuring accurate claim submissions. With more than five years of experience serving the healthcare industry in the USA, I bring expertise in coding accuracy, compliance, and reimbursement optimization. My work focuses on reducing errors, improving efficiency, and supporting providers in delivering quality care without administrative hurdles. I am committed to helping healthcare organizations achieve financial stability and compliance through reliable billing and coding practices.