A21.7

What This Code Means

Generalized tularemia is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis that has spread throughout the body, affecting multiple organ systems. This is the most severe form of tularemia and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

Coding Tips

• •Verify that the documentation specifically indicates 'generalized' or 'systemic' tularemia rather than localized forms (such as ulceroglandular, glandular, or oculoglandular) to ensure accurate code selection
• •Ensure the source of infection is documented when possible (animal exposure, tick bite, etc.) as this may be relevant for epidemiological tracking and public health reporting requirements