ICD-10 Code A20.0 | Bubonic plague Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Bubonic plague is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, primarily transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected animals. Clinically significant due to its potential for rapid progression and high mortality, accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A20.0 is essential for diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

What is ICD-10 Code A20.0 for Bubonic plague?

ICD-10 Code A20.0 specifically represents Bubonic plague, a form of plague characterized by swollen and painful lymph nodes, known as buboes. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with confirmed or suspected cases of Bubonic plague, facilitating accurate tracking and management of this infectious disease.

ICD-10 Code A20.0 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, typically transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected animals. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Sudden onset of fever and chills
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes (buboes)
• Headache and malaise
• Possible septicemia if untreated

ICD-10 Code A20.0 for Bubonic plague – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A20.0 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans for Bubonic plague. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation and continuity of care.

What Does ICD-10 Code A20.0 for Bubonic plague Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A20.0 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Bubonic plague. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A20.0 – Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Streptomycin or Gentamicin (7-14 days)
• Alternative: Doxycycline (7-14 days)
• Alternative: Ciprofloxacin (7-14 days)

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and electrolyte management
• Pain management with analgesics
• Monitoring for complications

Infection Control:

• Isolation precautions for infected patients
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Public health reporting during outbreaks

How to Document Symptoms of Bubonic plague (ICD-10 A20.0) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports sudden onset of fever and chills.
• Complains of painful swelling in the groin area.
• History of recent travel to endemic areas.
• Denies any known exposure to infected animals.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Fever 39.5°C, tachycardia.
• Physical exam reveals swollen lymph nodes in the inguinal region.
• Skin examination shows no rashes or lesions.
• Laboratory tests indicate leukocytosis.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Bubonic plague (ICD-10 Code A20.0)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Bubonic plague, severe.
• ICD-10 Code: A20.0.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic regions.
• Potential complications: Risk of septicemia.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy with Streptomycin.
• Provide supportive care including hydration.
• Educate patient on infection control measures.
• Schedule follow-up in 48 hours to monitor progress.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A20.0 – Bubonic plague

• Administer first-line antibiotics as per guidelines.
• Implement supportive care to manage symptoms.
• Monitor for signs of complications such as septicemia.
• Educate patient on the importance of follow-up care.

Using ICD-10 Code A20.0 for Bubonic plague in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use A20.0 in appropriate clinical settings for billing.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Document any relevant comorbidities or complications.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Bubonic plague

• A20.1 – Septicemic plague
• A20.2 – Pneumonic plague
• A20.9 – Plague, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A20.0 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Bubonic plague

ICD-10 Code A20.0 is critical for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the claim.
• Use A20.0 in acute care settings for accurate billing.
• Ensure compliance with coding guidelines for infectious diseases.
• Include detailed notes on treatment and patient education.

Common CPT Pairings: