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ICD-10 Code A18.52 | Tuberculous keratitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Tuberculous keratitis is an ocular manifestation of tuberculosis, characterized by inflammation of the cornea due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This condition is clinically significant as it can lead to vision impairment or loss if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The ICD-10 Code A18.52 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A18.52 for Tuberculous keratitis?

ICD-10 Code A18.52 represents Tuberculous keratitis, an infection of the cornea caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms indicative of corneal involvement due to tuberculosis, ensuring proper identification of the condition for treatment and reimbursement purposes.

ICD-10 Code A18.52 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Tuberculous keratitis

Tuberculous keratitis is primarily caused by the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the eye, often as a result of systemic tuberculosis. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to significant ocular complications, and requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Key Clinical Features:

  • Corneal ulceration and opacification
  • Photophobia and eye pain
  • Redness and tearing of the eye
  • Possible systemic symptoms of tuberculosis

ICD-10 Code A18.52 for Tuberculous keratitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A18.52 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plan for Tuberculous keratitis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition and facilitating appropriate management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A18.52 for Tuberculous keratitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A18.52 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Tuberculous keratitis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A18.52 – Tuberculous keratitis

Tuberculous keratitis requires urgent medical intervention to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antimicrobial therapy and supportive care.

Antibiotic Therapy:

  • First-line: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol (duration: 6-12 months)
  • Alternative: Streptomycin (duration: 6-12 months)
  • Consideration of topical antibiotics for localized corneal involvement
  • Regular monitoring for treatment efficacy and side effects

Supportive Care:

  • Topical lubricants to relieve dryness
  • Pain management with analgesics
  • Regular ophthalmologic evaluations to monitor corneal health
  • Education on adherence to treatment regimen

Infection Control:

  • Isolation precautions if systemic tuberculosis is suspected
  • Education on hygiene practices to prevent spread
  • Monitoring for outbreaks in community settings

How to Document Symptoms of Tuberculous keratitis (ICD-10 A18.52) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

  • Patient reports eye pain and redness
  • Complaints of photophobia and tearing
  • History of systemic tuberculosis or exposure
  • Symptoms worsening over the past few days

Objective:

  • Corneal examination reveals ulceration
  • Presence of conjunctival injection
  • Visual acuity assessment shows decreased vision
  • Systemic examination may reveal signs of active tuberculosis
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Tuberculous keratitis (ICD-10 Code A18.52)

Assessment:

  • Diagnosis: Tuberculous keratitis, moderate severity
  • ICD-10 Code: A18.52
  • Contributing factors: History of tuberculosis, immunocompromised status
  • Consideration of differential diagnoses such as viral keratitis

Plan:

  • Initiate treatment with first-line anti-tubercular medications
  • Educate patient on medication adherence and potential side effects
  • Schedule follow-up appointments for monitoring corneal healing
  • Refer to ophthalmology for specialized care if necessary

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A18.52 – Tuberculous keratitis

  • First-line pharmacologic treatments include Rifampicin and Isoniazid
  • Non-pharmacologic strategies involve patient education on hygiene and adherence
  • Monitoring practices include regular ophthalmologic assessments and visual acuity checks
  • Follow-up recommendations should be made for ongoing evaluation of treatment response

Using ICD-10 Code A18.52 for Tuberculous keratitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

  • Select accurate subcodes based on clinical severity or complications
  • Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) in SOAP notes
  • Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing
  • Only list CPT codes that are commonly billed with ICD-10 Code A18.52 based on standard medical coding practices

ICD-10 Code A18.52 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Tuberculous keratitis

ICD-10 Code A18.52 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services rendered.

Billing Notes:

  • Document the diagnosis clearly in the medical record to support the claim
  • Use the code in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for comprehensive billing
  • Ensure that the documentation reflects the severity and complexity of the case
  • Review payer-specific guidelines for any additional requirements

Common CPT Pairings:

CPT CodeDescription
99213Established patient office visit, Level 3
92014Ophthalmological examination, comprehensive, established patient
36415Collection of venous blood by venipuncture

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A18.52 for Tuberculous keratitis

What are the common symptoms of Tuberculous keratitis?

Common symptoms include eye pain, redness, photophobia, tearing, and decreased vision. Patients may also report a history of systemic tuberculosis or recent exposure to infected individuals.

How is Tuberculous keratitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, patient history, and may involve laboratory tests to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in ocular tissues.

What is the treatment for Tuberculous keratitis?

Treatment involves a combination of first-line anti-tubercular medications such as Rifampicin and Isoniazid, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Is Tuberculous keratitis contagious?

While Tuberculous keratitis itself is not contagious, it is associated with systemic tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. Proper infection control measures are essential.

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