ICD-10 Code A20.7 | Septicemic plague Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Septicemic plague is a severe form of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, characterized by the presence of the bacteria in the bloodstream. It is clinically significant due to its rapid progression and high mortality rate if untreated. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A20.7 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, facilitating timely intervention and resource allocation.

What is ICD-10 Code A20.7 for Septicemic plague?

ICD-10 Code A20.7 represents Septicemic plague, a life-threatening condition resulting from Yersinia pestis infection that leads to systemic infection and sepsis. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms indicative of septicemia due to plague, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's condition for treatment and reimbursement purposes.

ICD-10 Code A20.7 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Septicemic plague

Septicemic plague occurs when Yersinia pestis enters the bloodstream, leading to severe systemic infection. It can arise from untreated bubonic plague or occur independently. Immediate medical attention is crucial due to the risk of rapid deterioration and high mortality rates.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills
• Hypotension and shock
• Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms
• Skin lesions or necrosis

ICD-10 Code A20.7 for Septicemic plague – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A20.7 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. It 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 A20.7 for Septicemic plague Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A20.7 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of septicemic plague. This code is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A20.7 – Septicemic plague

Septicemic plague requires urgent hospitalization and aggressive treatment. Antibiotic therapy is critical for managing the infection effectively.

Antibiotic Therapy:

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

Supportive Care:

• Intravenous fluids for hydration
• Vasopressors for hypotension
• Monitoring in an intensive care setting

Infection Control:

• Implement droplet precautions
• Isolate infected patients
• Educate healthcare staff on handling procedures

How to Document Symptoms of Septicemic plague (ICD-10 A20.7) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports high fever and chills.
• Complains of severe abdominal pain.
• History of recent travel to endemic areas.
• Noted skin lesions developing over the past 24 hours.

Objective:

• Vital signs: BP 80/50 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, Temp 39.5°C.
• Physical exam reveals abdominal tenderness.
• Skin examination shows purpura and necrosis.
• Laboratory tests indicate leukocytosis and positive blood cultures for Yersinia pestis.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Septicemic plague (ICD-10 Code A20.7)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Septicemic plague, severe.
• ICD-10 Code: A20.7.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic regions.
• Triggers: Exposure to infected rodents or fleas.

Plan:

• Initiate IV antibiotics: Streptomycin.
• Administer IV fluids and monitor hemodynamics.
• Educate patient on infection control measures.
• Schedule daily follow-up for clinical reassessment.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A20.7 – Septicemic plague

• Administer appropriate antibiotics based on susceptibility.
• Provide supportive care including fluid resuscitation.
• Monitor vital signs and laboratory parameters closely.
• Educate on prevention strategies and follow-up care.

Using ICD-10 Code A20.7 for Septicemic plague in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use A20.7 in acute care settings for appropriate reimbursement.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Document any complications or comorbidities clearly.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Septicemic plague

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

ICD-10 Code A20.7 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Septicemic plague

ICD-10 Code A20.7 is critical for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use A20.7 in conjunction with other codes for comprehensive billing.
• Ensure compliance with payer-specific documentation requirements.

Common CPT Pairings: