ICD-10 Code A04.72 | Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile is an inflammatory condition of the intestine caused by the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria, often following antibiotic use. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential to cause severe diarrhea, colitis, and complications such as toxic megacolon. The ICD-10 Code A04.72 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

What is ICD-10 Code A04.72 for Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur?

ICD-10 Code A04.72 represents Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, not specified as recurrent. This code is used when a patient presents with enterocolitis caused by C. difficile without a history of recurrent episodes. It is essential for clinical documentation and billing, particularly in cases where antibiotic therapy has disrupted normal gut flora, leading to this infection.

ICD-10 Code A04.72 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile is primarily caused by the disruption of normal intestinal flora, often following antibiotic therapy. The bacteria produce toxins that lead to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, necessitating medical intervention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.

Key Clinical Features:

• Profuse watery diarrhea, often with a foul odor.
• Abdominal pain and cramping.
• Fever and leukocytosis.
• Possible presence of pseudomembranous colitis on colonoscopy.

ICD-10 Code A04.72 for Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A04.72 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the diagnosis of enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile. It plays a vital role in capturing the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans, relevant in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A04.72 for Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A04.72 connects subjective reports of symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of enterocolitis due to C. difficile. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A04.72 – Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur

The management of enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile often requires hospitalization, especially in severe cases. Treatment typically includes antibiotic therapy and supportive care.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Oral Vancomycin 125 mg four times daily for 10 days.
• Alternative: Metronidazole 500 mg three times daily for 10 days.
• Consideration for recurrent cases: Fidaxomicin.

Supportive Care:

• Hydration with IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Electrolyte replacement as needed.
• Monitoring for complications such as toxic megacolon.

Infection Control:

• Implement contact precautions to prevent spread.
• Use of dedicated equipment for infected patients.
• Strict hand hygiene protocols.

How to Document Symptoms of Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur (ICD-10 A04.72) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports frequent, watery diarrhea for 3 days.
• Complains of abdominal cramping and tenderness.
• History of recent antibiotic use for a respiratory infection.
• Experiencing fever and malaise.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Temperature 101°F, HR 100 bpm.
• Abdominal exam: Tenderness in the lower quadrants.
• Stool test positive for C. difficile toxins.
• Leukocyte count elevated at 15,000 cells/mm³.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur (ICD-10 Code A04.72)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A04.72.
• Contributing factors: Recent antibiotic therapy.
• Monitor for potential complications.

Plan:

• Initiate treatment with oral Vancomycin 125 mg four times daily.
• Provide IV fluids for hydration.
• Educate patient on hygiene practices to prevent spread.
• Schedule follow-up in 7 days to reassess symptoms.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A04.72 – Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur

• First-line pharmacologic treatment: Oral Vancomycin.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies: Hydration and electrolyte management.
• Monitoring: Regular assessment of stool output and vital signs.
• Follow-up: Re-evaluate treatment efficacy and symptom resolution.

Using ICD-10 Code A04.72 for Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical findings.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes that correspond to the services provided.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur

• A04.71 – Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, recurrent
• A04.7 – Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A04.72 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Enterocolitis d/t Clostridium difficile, not spcf as recur

ICD-10 Code A04.72 is crucial for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use this code in settings where C. difficile infection is confirmed.
• Ensure that treatment plans are clearly outlined in the patient's chart.
• Include patient history of antibiotic use to justify the diagnosis.

Common CPT Pairings: