Generalized tularemia is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is characterized by systemic involvement, including fever, chills, and lymphadenopathy. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A21.7 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively track and manage this potentially life-threatening condition.
What is ICD-10 Code A21.7 for Generalized tularemia?
ICD-10 Code A21.7 represents Generalized tularemia, a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This code should be used when documenting cases of tularemia that present with systemic symptoms, allowing for accurate clinical documentation and appropriate billing practices in healthcare settings.
ICD-10 Code A21.7 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Generalized tularemia
Generalized tularemia is primarily caused by exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. The disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly. Medical attention is critical to manage symptoms and prevent serious outcomes.
Key Clinical Features:
- Fever and chills
- Lymphadenopathy
- Skin ulcers or lesions
- Respiratory symptoms
- Fatigue and malaise
ICD-10 Code A21.7 for Generalized tularemia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A21.7 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition.
What Does ICD-10 Code A21.7 for Generalized tularemia Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code A21.7 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Generalized tularemia. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A21.7 – Generalized tularemia
Generalized tularemia requires prompt medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for severe cases. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical for effective treatment.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Streptomycin (first-line, 10 days)
- Gentamicin (alternative, 10 days)
- Doxycycline (alternative, 14 days)
- Ciprofloxacin (alternative, 14 days)
Supportive Care:
- Hydration and electrolyte management
- Symptomatic relief for fever and pain
- Monitoring for complications
- Nutritional support if needed
Infection Control:
- Implement standard precautions
- Isolate patients if necessary during outbreaks
- Educate staff on handling infectious materials
- Report cases to public health authorities
How to Document Symptoms of Generalized tularemia (ICD-10 A21.7) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports fever and chills for 3 days
- Notable fatigue and malaise
- History of exposure to wildlife
- Complaints of painful lymph nodes
Objective:
- Temperature: 102°F
- Lymphadenopathy noted in cervical region
- Skin examination reveals ulcerative lesions
- Respiratory rate: 20 breaths/min
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 Generalized tularemia (ICD-10 Code A21.7)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Generalized tularemia, severe
- ICD-10 Code: A21.7
- Contributing factors: Recent exposure to infected animals
- Severity: High risk for complications
Plan:
- Initiate antibiotic therapy with Streptomycin
- Provide hydration and monitor vital signs
- Educate patient on disease transmission
- Schedule follow-up in 1 week to assess treatment response
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A21.7 – Generalized tularemia
- Administer first-line antibiotics as per guidelines
- Encourage fluid intake and rest
- Monitor for signs of respiratory distress
- Educate on prevention and control measures
Using ICD-10 Code A21.7 for Generalized tularemia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and treatment
- Use A21.7 in acute care settings for billing
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines
- Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Generalized tularemia
- A21.0 – Tularemia, glandular
- A21.1 – Tularemia, oculoglandular
- A21.2 – Tularemia, pneumonic
- A21.3 – Tularemia, typhoidal
- A21.9 – Tularemia, unspecified
ICD-10 Code A21.7 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Generalized tularemia
ICD-10 Code A21.7 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services provided.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant clinical findings and treatments
- Use A21.7 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes
- Ensure compliance with payer requirements for infectious diseases
- Maintain thorough records to support claims
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99223 | Initial hospital care, high complexity |
| 36415 | Collection of venous blood sample |
| 96372 | Therapeutic injection, subcutaneous or intramuscular |
| 99214 | Established patient office visit, moderate complexity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A21.7 for Generalized tularemia
What are the common symptoms of Generalized tularemia?
Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, and skin ulcers. Patients may also experience respiratory symptoms in severe cases.
How is Generalized tularemia treated?
Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as Streptomycin or Gentamicin, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and hydration.
Is Generalized tularemia contagious?
Tularemia is not directly contagious between humans; however, it can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
When should ICD-10 Code A21.7 be used?
ICD-10 Code A21.7 should be used when documenting cases of Generalized tularemia with systemic symptoms, ensuring accurate clinical documentation and billing.
