ICD-10 Code A21.2 | Pulmonary tularemia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Pulmonary tularemia is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, primarily transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or contact with infected animals. Clinically significant due to its potential for severe respiratory illness, accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A21.2 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting.

What is ICD-10 Code A21.2 for Pulmonary tularemia?

ICD-10 Code A21.2 represents Pulmonary tularemia, an acute respiratory infection caused by Francisella tularensis. This code should be used when documenting cases of pulmonary involvement, particularly in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms following exposure to the bacterium. Accurate coding is crucial for effective clinical documentation and appropriate billing practices.

ICD-10 Code A21.2 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Pulmonary tularemia

Pulmonary tularemia is caused by inhalation of aerosols containing Francisella tularensis, leading to severe respiratory symptoms. The condition can progress rapidly, necessitating prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Key Clinical Features:

• Acute onset of fever and chills
• Cough, often productive with purulent sputum
• Chest pain and dyspnea
• Lymphadenopathy, particularly in the thoracic region

ICD-10 Code A21.2 for Pulmonary tularemia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A21.2 is utilized to document the diagnosis of pulmonary tularemia, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A21.2 for Pulmonary tularemia Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A21.2 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of pulmonary tularemia. This code supports continuity of care, facilitates accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A21.2 – Pulmonary tularemia

Pulmonary tularemia requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for severe cases. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical for effective treatment.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Streptomycin: 1 g IM every 12 hours for 10 days
• Gentamicin: 5 mg/kg IV daily for 10 days
• Doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days (alternative)

Supportive Care:

• Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
• Intravenous fluids for hydration
• Symptomatic treatment for fever and pain

Infection Control:

• Implement airborne precautions in healthcare settings
• Educate patients on avoiding contact with potentially infected animals
• Monitor for outbreaks in endemic areas

How to Document Symptoms of Pulmonary tularemia (ICD-10 A21.2) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports sudden onset of fever and chills.
• Complains of a persistent cough with yellow-green sputum.
• Experiences chest pain, especially during deep breaths.
• History of recent exposure to wildlife or contaminated environments.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Temperature 102°F, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min.
• Auscultation reveals crackles and wheezing bilaterally.
• Oxygen saturation at 88% on room air.
• Chest X-ray shows infiltrates consistent with pneumonia.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Pulmonary tularemia (ICD-10 Code A21.2)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Pulmonary tularemia, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A21.2.
• Recent exposure to infected animals noted as a contributing factor.
• Symptoms consistent with respiratory infection.

Plan:

• Initiate treatment with Streptomycin 1 g IM every 12 hours.
• Provide education on the importance of completing the antibiotic course.
• Monitor respiratory status and oxygen saturation closely.
• Schedule follow-up appointment in one week to reassess symptoms.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A21.2 – Pulmonary tularemia

• First-line treatment includes Streptomycin or Gentamicin.
• Consider Doxycycline as an alternative for patients with contraindications.
• Implement lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to potential sources of infection.
• Regular monitoring of respiratory function and follow-up imaging as needed.

Using ICD-10 Code A21.2 for Pulmonary tularemia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings under Subjective (S) and Objective (O).
• Use ICD-10 Code A21.2 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for billing.
• Document treatment plans that align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Maintain clear records of patient education and follow-up plans.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Pulmonary tularemia

• A21.0 – Tularemia, glandular
• A21.1 – Tularemia, ulceroglandular
• A21.3 – Tularemia, oculoglandular
• A21.9 – Tularemia, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A21.2 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Pulmonary tularemia

ICD-10 Code A21.2 is crucial for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings and treatment plans to support the claim.
• Use this code in settings where patients present with respiratory symptoms and a history of exposure.
• Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the patient's presenting symptoms.

Common CPT Pairings: