Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri is an infectious disease characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps caused by the bacterium Shigella flexneri. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential for severe dehydration and complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. The ICD-10 Code A03.1 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring appropriate management and resource allocation.
What is ICD-10 Code A03.1 for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri?
ICD-10 Code A03.1 specifically denotes Shigellosis caused by Shigella flexneri, a pathogen responsible for gastrointestinal infections. This code is utilized in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with shigellosis, including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Accurate coding is essential for effective treatment planning and epidemiological tracking.
ICD-10 Code A03.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri is an acute infectious disease primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route. It manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms and can lead to significant morbidity, particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications such as dehydration and systemic infection.
Key Clinical Features:
- Acute onset of diarrhea, often bloody
- Fever and abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting may occur
- Symptoms typically last 5 to 7 days
ICD-10 Code A03.1 for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A03.1 is utilized to document the diagnosis of shigellosis, guiding the assessment of symptoms and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute care settings and outpatient follow-ups, ensuring comprehensive patient management.
What Does ICD-10 Code A03.1 for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code A03.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of shigellosis. This code is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A03.1 – Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri often requires prompt treatment to mitigate symptoms and prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Ciprofloxacin: 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days
- Azithromycin: 1 g orally in a single dose
- Ceftriaxone: 1 g IV daily for 3 days (for severe cases)
Supportive Care:
- Rehydration therapy with oral rehydration solutions
- Electrolyte replacement as needed
- Symptomatic treatment for fever and abdominal pain
Infection Control:
- Strict hand hygiene practices
- Isolation of infected individuals during outbreaks
- Education on food and water safety
How to Document Symptoms of Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri (ICD-10 A03.1) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports frequent, watery diarrhea with blood and mucus
- Complaints of severe abdominal cramps and fever
- History of recent travel to endemic areas
- Nausea and loss of appetite noted
Objective:
- Vital signs: Fever 101°F, tachycardia
- Abdominal exam: Tenderness in the lower quadrants
- Stool sample: Positive for Shigella flexneri
- Dehydration signs: Dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri (ICD-10 Code A03.1)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri, moderate severity
- ICD-10 Code: A03.1
- Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic region, potential exposure to contaminated food or water
- Risk of dehydration and complications noted
Plan:
- Initiate antibiotic therapy as per guidelines
- Implement rehydration protocol with ORS
- Educate patient on hygiene and food safety practices
- Schedule follow-up in 3 days to reassess symptoms
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A03.1 – Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
- First-line antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin or azithromycin
- Encourage fluid intake and monitor hydration status
- Educate on hygiene practices to prevent transmission
- Follow-up appointment to monitor recovery and symptom resolution
Using ICD-10 Code A03.1 for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings under Subjective (S) and Objective (O)
- Use A03.1 for all encounters related to shigellosis diagnosis and treatment
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing
- Include relevant CPT codes for laboratory tests and consultations
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
- A03.0 – Shigellosis due to Shigella dysenteriae
- A03.2 – Shigellosis due to Shigella sonnei
- A03.3 – Shigellosis due to Shigella boydii
- A08.0 – Viral intestinal infection due to rotavirus
ICD-10 Code A03.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
ICD-10 Code A03.1 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement and compliance.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant clinical findings and patient history to support the diagnosis.
- Use A03.1 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for laboratory tests and treatments.
- Ensure that documentation reflects the severity and complexity of the case for accurate billing.
- Review payer-specific guidelines for any additional requirements related to infectious disease coding.
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 87045 | Culture, bacterial, any source, including isolation and identification |
| 99213 | Established patient office visit, low to moderate complexity |
| 96372 | Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A03.1 for Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri
What are the common symptoms of Shigellosis?
Common symptoms of Shigellosis include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. Symptoms typically appear 1-3 days after exposure and can last for about a week.
How is Shigellosis transmitted?
Shigellosis is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. Close contact with an infected person can also facilitate transmission.
When should I seek medical attention for Shigellosis?
Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, such as persistent diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urination.
What is the treatment for Shigellosis?
Treatment for Shigellosis typically includes antibiotic therapy to reduce the duration of symptoms and supportive care, such as rehydration to prevent dehydration.
