ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for death black
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Black › death”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding death black
The ICD-10-CM code for death black is A20.9 (Plague, unspecified).
Within A20, choose A20.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Bubonic plague (A20.0), Cellulocutaneous plague (A20.1), pneumonic plague (A20.2), meningitis (A20.3), Septicemic plague (A20.7) and other forms of plague (A20.8).
As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 867 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 2.1859), DRG 868 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 1.0235) and DRG 869 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6787), in MDC 18 (Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Systemic or Unspecified Sites), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about death black ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for death black?
- A20.9 — Plague, unspecified.
Is A20.9 billable?
- Yes. A20.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A20.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A20.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A20.9 a CC or MCC?
- A20.9 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.