ICD-10 Code A06.0 | Acute amebic dysentery Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Acute amebic dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is characterized by severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery, which can lead to dehydration and systemic complications. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A06.0 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and treat this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A06.0 for Acute amebic dysentery?

ICD-10 Code A06.0 represents Acute amebic dysentery, a severe gastrointestinal condition caused by Entamoeba histolytica. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever, indicating an acute infection that requires immediate medical attention.

ICD-10 Code A06.0 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Acute amebic dysentery

Acute amebic dysentery is primarily caused by the ingestion of cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, often through contaminated food or water. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe dehydration and potential complications such as perforation of the colon. Prompt medical attention is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent serious outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Severe diarrhea, often bloody, with mucus.
• Abdominal pain and cramping.
• Fever and malaise.
• Dehydration signs, including dry mucous membranes.
• Possible complications such as colonic perforation.

ICD-10 Code A06.0 for Acute amebic dysentery – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A06.0 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly communicated and that appropriate care is provided.

What Does ICD-10 Code A06.0 for Acute amebic dysentery Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A06.0 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Acute amebic dysentery. This code is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A06.0 – Acute amebic dysentery

Acute amebic dysentery often requires urgent medical intervention, including hospitalization in severe cases. Treatment typically involves specific antibiotic therapy to eradicate the infection.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Metronidazole: 750 mg orally three times daily for 5-10 days.
• Tinidazole: 2 g orally as a single dose.
• Iodoquinol: 650 mg orally three times daily for 20 days.

Supportive Care:

• Rehydration therapy with oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids.
• Electrolyte replacement to manage dehydration.
• Symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Infection Control:

• Strict hand hygiene practices for healthcare providers.
• Isolation precautions for infected patients during outbreaks.
• Education on safe food and water practices to prevent transmission.

How to Document Symptoms of Acute amebic dysentery (ICD-10 A06.0) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
• Complains of abdominal cramping and pain.
• Experiencing fever and chills.
• History of recent travel to endemic areas.

Objective:

• Vital signs: elevated temperature (101°F), tachycardia.
• Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the lower quadrants.
• Stool examination shows presence of Entamoeba histolytica.
• Signs of dehydration: dry skin, decreased turgor.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Acute amebic dysentery (ICD-10 Code A06.0)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Acute amebic dysentery, severe.
• ICD-10 Code: A06.0.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic region, possible contaminated food/water.
• Severity: High risk for dehydration and complications.

Plan:

• Initiate metronidazole therapy as per guidelines.
• Administer IV fluids for rehydration.
• Monitor vital signs and fluid status closely.
• Schedule follow-up in 48 hours to reassess symptoms.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A06.0 – Acute amebic dysentery

• First-line pharmacologic treatment with metronidazole.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies include hydration and electrolyte management.
• Monitoring of vital signs and hydration status.
• Follow-up care to ensure resolution of symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Using ICD-10 Code A06.0 for Acute amebic dysentery in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings under Subjective (S) and Objective (O).
• Use ICD-10 Code A06.0 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for billing.
• Document treatment plans that align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Maintain compliance with EHR documentation standards for continuity of care.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Acute amebic dysentery

• A06.1 – Amebic dysentery, chronic
• A06.9 – Amebic dysentery, unspecified
• A00.0 – Cholera due to Vibrio cholerae

ICD-10 Code A06.0 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Acute amebic dysentery

ICD-10 Code A06.0 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and clinical findings to support the use of A06.0.
• Ensure that the code is used in appropriate settings, such as inpatient admissions or outpatient visits for acute care.
• Include key chart elements like treatment plans and follow-up recommendations to strengthen claims.
• Verify that documentation aligns with payer requirements for reimbursement.

Common CPT Pairings: