Listerial meningitis is a severe infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential for serious complications, including neurological damage and death. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A32.11 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this infectious disease.
What is ICD-10 Code A32.11 for Listerial meningitis?
ICD-10 Code A32.11 specifically represents Listerial meningitis, an infection characterized by inflammation of the meninges due to Listeria monocytogenes. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with meningitis and has a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of Listeria infection, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's condition for treatment and reimbursement purposes.
ICD-10 Code A32.11 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Listerial meningitis
Listerial meningitis is primarily caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or through vertical transmission from mother to fetus. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications, and requires immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes.
Key Clinical Features:
- Fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Altered mental status
- Nausea and vomiting
ICD-10 Code A32.11 for Listerial meningitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A32.11 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans related to Listerial meningitis. This code 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 A32.11 for Listerial meningitis Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code A32.11 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Listerial meningitis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting electronic health record documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A32.11 – Listerial meningitis
Listerial meningitis is a medical emergency that often necessitates hospitalization for effective management. Prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Ampicillin (first-line) for 21 days
- Gentamicin (for synergy) for 7-14 days
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (alternative) for 21 days
Supportive Care:
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
- Antipyretics for fever management
- Monitoring for neurological complications
Infection Control:
- Standard precautions to prevent transmission
- Isolation of infected patients if necessary
- Education on food safety to prevent outbreaks
How to Document Symptoms of Listerial meningitis (ICD-10 A32.11) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports severe headache and neck stiffness.
- Complaints of fever and chills for the past two days.
- History of recent consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
- Nausea and vomiting present.
Objective:
- Temperature: 102°F (38.9°C)
- Neck rigidity noted on examination.
- Altered mental status observed.
- Positive Brudzinski's sign.
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Listerial meningitis (ICD-10 Code A32.11)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Listerial meningitis, severe.
- ICD-10 Code: A32.11.
- Contributing factors: Recent consumption of contaminated food.
- Severity: High risk of complications.
Plan:
- Initiate intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin.
- Monitor vital signs and neurological status closely.
- Educate patient on the importance of food safety.
- Schedule follow-up after treatment completion.
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A32.11 – Listerial meningitis
- Administer appropriate antibiotics as per guidelines.
- Provide supportive care including hydration and symptom management.
- Monitor for complications such as seizures or septic shock.
- Educate on prevention strategies to avoid future infections.
Using ICD-10 Code A32.11 for Listerial meningitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
- Use A32.11 in appropriate clinical settings, including ER and inpatient care.
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.
- Document all relevant patient history and risk factors.
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Listerial meningitis
- A32.0 – Listeriosis
- A32.9 – Listeriosis, unspecified
- G00.1 – Bacterial meningitis, unspecified
- G03.9 – Meningitis, unspecified
ICD-10 Code A32.11 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Listerial meningitis
ICD-10 Code A32.11 is crucial for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
- Use A32.11 in inpatient and outpatient settings as appropriate.
- Ensure that all treatment plans are clearly outlined in the medical record.
- Include patient education and follow-up plans in documentation.
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99223 | Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more. |
| 36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture. |
| 96365 | Intravenous infusion, for therapy, prophylaxis, or diagnosis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A32.11 for Listerial meningitis
What are the common symptoms of Listerial meningitis?
Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, and altered mental status. Patients may also experience chills and vomiting, which necessitate immediate medical evaluation.
How is Listerial meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and culture to identify Listeria monocytogenes. Imaging studies may also be utilized to assess complications.
What is the treatment for Listerial meningitis?
Treatment involves hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics, primarily ampicillin, often in combination with gentamicin. Supportive care is also critical to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Is Listerial meningitis contagious?
Listerial meningitis is not spread from person to person. It is primarily contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or through vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy.
