ICD-10 Code A20.2 | Pneumonic plague Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. It is a highly contagious form of plague that can lead to rapid deterioration and requires immediate medical attention. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A20.2 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this critical infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A20.2 for Pneumonic plague?

ICD-10 Code A20.2 specifically represents Pneumonic plague, a serious respiratory illness caused by Yersinia pestis. This code should be used when documenting cases of pneumonic plague in clinical settings, particularly when patients present with respiratory symptoms and a history of exposure. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment, billing, and epidemiological tracking.

ICD-10 Code A20.2 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Pneumonic plague

Pneumonic plague is caused by the inhalation of Yersinia pestis bacteria, leading to severe pneumonia characterized by rapid onset of symptoms. It requires urgent medical intervention due to its high mortality rate if untreated. Early recognition and treatment are vital to prevent complications and transmission.

Key Clinical Features:

• Acute onset of fever, chills, and cough
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Chest pain and difficulty breathing
• Rapid progression to respiratory failure
• History of exposure to infected individuals or environments

ICD-10 Code A20.2 for Pneumonic plague – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A20.2 is utilized to document the diagnosis of pneumonic plague, guiding clinical assessment and treatment plans. This code aids in capturing the severity of the condition and supports appropriate billing practices in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A20.2 for Pneumonic plague Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A20.2 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of pneumonic plague. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A20.2 – Pneumonic plague

Pneumonic plague is a medical emergency requiring prompt hospitalization and treatment. Antibiotic therapy is critical for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Streptomycin or Gentamicin (7-14 days)
• Alternative: Doxycycline (7-14 days)
• Alternative: Ciprofloxacin (7-14 days)
• Consideration for combination therapy in severe cases

Supportive Care:

• Oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
• Monitoring for respiratory failure and septic shock
• Symptomatic treatment for fever and pain

Infection Control:

• Isolation of infected patients to prevent transmission
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers
• Public health notification for outbreak management
• Education on preventive measures for at-risk populations

How to Document Symptoms of Pneumonic plague (ICD-10 A20.2) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports sudden onset of fever and chills.
• Complains of severe cough with blood-tinged sputum.
• History of exposure to a known plague outbreak.
• Experiences chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Fever 39.5°C, tachycardia 120 bpm.
• Auscultation reveals bilateral crackles and wheezing.
• Oxygen saturation at 85% on room air.
• Chest X-ray shows infiltrates consistent with pneumonia.

Secure, compliant, and built for trust

HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.

Learn more

SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Pneumonic plague (ICD-10 Code A20.2)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Pneumonic plague (ICD-10 A20.2), severe.
• Consideration of exposure history and clinical presentation.
• Potential for respiratory failure and sepsis.

Plan:

• Initiate intravenous antibiotics (Streptomycin or Gentamicin).
• Provide supplemental oxygen and monitor respiratory status.
• Educate patient on infection control measures.
• Schedule follow-up in 48 hours to reassess clinical status.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A20.2 – Pneumonic plague

• Administer first-line antibiotics promptly to reduce mortality.
• Implement supportive care measures, including oxygen therapy.
• Monitor vital signs closely for signs of deterioration.
• Educate on the importance of isolation and infection control.

Using ICD-10 Code A20.2 for Pneumonic plague in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and exposure history.
• Use A20.2 in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for billing.
• Maintain compliance with EHR documentation standards.
• Document treatment plans that align with clinical guidelines.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Pneumonic plague

• A20.0 – Bubonic plague
• A20.1 – Septicemic plague
• A20.9 – Plague, unspecified
• A22.0 – Anthrax, cutaneous

ICD-10 Code A20.2 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Pneumonic plague

ICD-10 Code A20.2 is critical for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use A20.2 in acute care settings for accurate billing.
• Ensure that all chart elements align with coding guidelines.
• Include patient history of exposure to plague in documentation.

Common CPT Pairings: