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ICD-10 Code A18.81 | Tuberculosis of thyroid gland Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can lead to significant complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A18.81 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can track and manage this condition effectively.

What is ICD-10 Code A18.81 for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland?

ICD-10 Code A18.81 represents Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland, a rare manifestation of tuberculosis that can occur in patients with disseminated disease. This code should be used when documenting cases of thyroid involvement in tuberculosis, ensuring accurate billing and facilitating appropriate treatment and management strategies.

ICD-10 Code A18.81 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Tuberculosis of thyroid gland

Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is primarily caused by the hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a primary infection site. It may progress silently, leading to thyroid dysfunction or abscess formation, necessitating medical intervention. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.

Key Clinical Features:

  • Painless swelling of the thyroid gland
  • Possible fever and night sweats
  • Weight loss and fatigue
  • Thyroid dysfunction symptoms (e.g., hypothyroidism)

ICD-10 Code A18.81 for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A18.81 is utilized to document the presence of tuberculosis affecting the thyroid gland. It plays a critical role in capturing symptoms, assessments, and treatment plans, relevant in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A18.81 for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A18.81 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of tuberculosis of the thyroid gland. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A18.81 – Tuberculosis of thyroid gland

Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland requires prompt medical attention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

  • First-line: Isoniazid (6-9 months)
  • First-line: Rifampin (6-9 months)
  • Alternative: Ethambutol (if resistant)
  • Alternative: Pyrazinamide (as needed)

Supportive Care:

  • Monitor thyroid function tests regularly
  • Manage symptoms of hypothyroidism if present
  • Provide nutritional support and counseling
  • Educate on the importance of adherence to therapy

Infection Control:

  • Implement standard precautions to prevent transmission
  • Isolate patients if necessary during active disease
  • Educate healthcare staff on tuberculosis protocols
  • Monitor for outbreaks in healthcare settings

How to Document Symptoms of Tuberculosis of thyroid gland (ICD-10 A18.81) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

  • Patient reports a painless swelling in the neck
  • History of weight loss and fatigue over the past month
  • Complaints of intermittent fever and night sweats
  • No prior history of thyroid disease

Objective:

  • Thyroid examination reveals an enlarged, firm thyroid gland
  • Vital signs: Temperature 100.4°F, pulse 80 bpm
  • Laboratory tests show elevated TSH and low T3/T4 levels
  • Imaging reveals a possible abscess in the thyroid gland
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Tuberculosis of thyroid gland (ICD-10 Code A18.81)

Assessment:

  • Diagnosis: Tuberculosis of thyroid gland, confirmed by imaging
  • Severity: Moderate, with potential for abscess formation
  • Contributing factors: History of pulmonary tuberculosis
  • Monitor for signs of systemic infection

Plan:

  • Initiate first-line antibiotic therapy (Isoniazid, Rifampin)
  • Schedule follow-up thyroid function tests in 4 weeks
  • Educate patient on medication adherence and side effects
  • Arrange for imaging follow-up to assess treatment response

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A18.81 – Tuberculosis of thyroid gland

  • First-line pharmacologic treatments include Isoniazid and Rifampin for 6-9 months.
  • Non-pharmacologic strategies involve regular monitoring of thyroid function and nutritional support.
  • Monitoring practices include tracking symptoms and laboratory values to assess treatment efficacy.
  • Follow-up recommendations should include imaging studies to evaluate the resolution of the thyroid lesion.

Using ICD-10 Code A18.81 for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland 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 A18.81 based on standard medical coding practices.

ICD-10 Code A18.81 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland

ICD-10 Code A18.81 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

  • Ensure accurate documentation of the diagnosis and treatment plan in the medical record.
  • Use the code in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for comprehensive billing.
  • Document any complications or additional diagnoses to support the claim.
  • Review payer-specific guidelines for coding and billing requirements.

Common CPT Pairings:

CPT CodeDescription
99213Established patient office visit, Level 3
71045Chest X-ray, single view
36415Collection of venous blood by venipuncture
85025Complete blood count with automated differential white blood cell count

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A18.81 for Tuberculosis of thyroid gland

What are the common symptoms of Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland?

Common symptoms include painless swelling of the neck, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and signs of thyroid dysfunction such as fatigue and changes in metabolism.

How is Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, laboratory tests for thyroid function, and may require biopsy to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Is Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland contagious?

While the underlying tuberculosis infection can be contagious, the thyroid gland itself is not a source of transmission. Infection control measures should be followed for the primary disease.

What is the treatment for Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland?

Treatment usually involves a regimen of antibiotics such as Isoniazid and Rifampin for 6-9 months, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and monitor thyroid function.

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