A22.2

What This Code Means

Gastrointestinal anthrax is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis that affects the stomach and intestines, typically acquired by eating contaminated meat. This form of anthrax can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Coding Tips

• •Verify documentation specifies gastrointestinal involvement rather than cutaneous or inhalation anthrax, as each has a distinct ICD-10-CM code
• •Consider coding an additional code for any complications (such as sepsis or shock) if documented, as anthrax can progress to systemic infection