ICD-10 Code A21.8 | Other forms of tularemia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Other forms of tularemia, classified under ICD-10 code A21.8, refers to atypical presentations of the infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential for severe illness and public health implications. Accurate coding with A21.8 facilitates proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and aids in public health reporting efforts.

What is ICD-10 Code A21.8 for Other forms of tularemia?

ICD-10 Code A21.8 represents Other forms of tularemia, which includes atypical manifestations of tularemia that do not fit into the more specific categories. This code should be used when documenting cases of tularemia that present with unusual symptoms or complications, ensuring accurate clinical documentation and appropriate billing practices.

ICD-10 Code A21.8 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Other forms of tularemia

Other forms of tularemia can arise from various routes of exposure to Francisella tularensis, including through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. The condition can progress rapidly, necessitating prompt medical attention to prevent severe complications. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Atypical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress or respiratory issues.
• Potential for systemic involvement leading to severe illness.
• Epidemiological links to animal exposure or environmental factors.
• Possibility of misdiagnosis due to non-specific presentations.

ICD-10 Code A21.8 for Other forms of tularemia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A21.8 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment of patients with atypical tularemia. This code supports accurate symptom documentation and treatment planning in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A21.8 for Other forms of tularemia Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A21.8 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Other forms of tularemia. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A21.8 – Other forms of tularemia

Prompt treatment of Other forms of tularemia is essential to prevent complications. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Streptomycin (7-14 days) or Gentamicin (7-14 days).
• Alternative: Doxycycline (14-21 days) for non-pregnant adults.
• Alternative: Ciprofloxacin (14-21 days) for those allergic to aminoglycosides.

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and electrolyte management.
• Symptomatic treatment for fever and pain.
• Monitoring for complications such as pneumonia or sepsis.

Infection Control:

• Implement standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Educate patients on avoiding contact with potentially infected animals.
• Report cases to public health authorities as required.

How to Document Symptoms of Other forms of tularemia (ICD-10 A21.8) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports fever, chills, and malaise.
• History of exposure to wildlife or contaminated water.
• Complaints of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.
• Recent travel to endemic areas.

Objective:

• Fever noted at 101°F on examination.
• Lymphadenopathy observed in cervical region.
• Laboratory tests show elevated white blood cell count.
• Chest X-ray indicates possible pneumonia.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Other forms of tularemia (ICD-10 Code A21.8)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Other forms of tularemia, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A21.8.
• Contributing factors: Recent exposure to wildlife.
• Potential triggers: Environmental exposure.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy with Streptomycin.
• Educate patient on signs of worsening condition.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to monitor progress.
• Consider referral to infectious disease specialist if no improvement.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A21.8 – Other forms of tularemia

• First-line pharmacologic treatment with Streptomycin or Gentamicin.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies include hydration and rest.
• Monitoring for clinical improvement and potential complications.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure resolution of symptoms.

Using ICD-10 Code A21.8 for Other forms of tularemia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical presentation.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Use CPT codes that reflect the services provided in conjunction with A21.8.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Other forms of tularemia

• A21.0 – Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis, glandular type
• A21.1 – Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis, ulceroglandular type
• A21.2 – Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis, pneumonic type
• A21.3 – Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis, oculoglandular type

ICD-10 Code A21.8 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Other forms of tularemia

ICD-10 Code A21.8 is crucial for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure documentation includes detailed patient history and clinical findings.
• Use A21.8 in conjunction with specific symptoms and treatment codes.
• Verify that all chart elements support the diagnosis for claim approval.

Common CPT Pairings: