ICD-10 Code A26.7 | Erysipelothrix sepsis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Erysipelothrix sepsis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, primarily affecting individuals with compromised immune systems or those with occupational exposure to animals. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential to cause severe systemic illness and requires accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A26.7 for effective diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting.

What is ICD-10 Code A26.7 for Erysipelothrix sepsis?

ICD-10 Code A26.7 represents Erysipelothrix sepsis, an infection resulting from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. This code should be used when documenting cases of sepsis linked to this pathogen, particularly in patients with underlying conditions or those exposed to contaminated environments. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-10 Code A26.7 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Erysipelothrix sepsis

Erysipelothrix sepsis is caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which can enter the bloodstream, leading to severe systemic infection. This condition often arises in individuals with weakened immune systems or those with occupational exposure to animals, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills
• Skin lesions or erysipelas
• Septic shock symptoms
• History of animal exposure

ICD-10 Code A26.7 for Erysipelothrix sepsis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A26.7 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans for Erysipelothrix sepsis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation and continuity of care.

What Does ICD-10 Code A26.7 for Erysipelothrix sepsis Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A26.7 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Erysipelothrix sepsis. This coding ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A26.7 – Erysipelothrix sepsis

Erysipelothrix sepsis requires urgent medical attention and often hospitalization for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Penicillin G (first-line, 2-4 million units IV every 4-6 hours)
• Ceftriaxone (alternative, 1-2 g IV daily)
• Vancomycin (for resistant strains, 15 mg/kg IV every 12 hours)
• Duration typically 2-4 weeks depending on severity

Supportive Care:

• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
• Monitoring vital signs and organ function
• Pain management as needed
• Nutritional support if indicated

Infection Control:

• Strict hand hygiene practices
• Isolation precautions for infected patients
• Education on zoonotic transmission prevention
• Monitoring for outbreaks in at-risk populations

How to Document Symptoms of Erysipelothrix sepsis (ICD-10 A26.7) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports fever and chills
• Complains of skin lesions with redness and swelling
• History of exposure to animals or animal products
• Reports fatigue and malaise

Objective:

• Temperature of 102°F
• Erythematous skin lesions noted on examination
• Elevated white blood cell count (WBC)
• Blood cultures positive for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Erysipelothrix sepsis (ICD-10 Code A26.7)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Erysipelothrix sepsis, severe
• ICD-10 Code: A26.7
• Contributing factors: Recent animal exposure, immunocompromised state
• Severity: High risk for complications

Plan:

• Initiate IV antibiotic therapy as per guidelines
• Monitor vital signs and laboratory parameters
• Educate patient on infection prevention measures
• Schedule follow-up in 1 week or sooner if symptoms worsen

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A26.7 – Erysipelothrix sepsis

• Administer appropriate antibiotics based on susceptibility
• Implement supportive care measures to stabilize the patient
• Educate on the importance of follow-up and symptom monitoring
• Document all findings and treatment plans in the EHR

Using ICD-10 Code A26.7 for Erysipelothrix sepsis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings in SOAP notes
• Use A26.7 for billing in inpatient and outpatient settings
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support reimbursement
• Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered during the patient encounter

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Erysipelothrix sepsis

• A26.0 – Erysipelothrix infection, unspecified
• A26.1 – Erysipelothrix infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue
• A26.2 – Erysipelothrix infection of other sites
• A26.9 – Erysipelothrix infection, unspecified site

ICD-10 Code A26.7 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Erysipelothrix sepsis

ICD-10 Code A26.7 is critical for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis
• Use A26.7 in conjunction with other codes as necessary
• Ensure compliance with payer requirements for documentation
• Review coding guidelines regularly to maintain accuracy

Common CPT Pairings: