ICD-10 Code A32.12 | Listerial meningoencephalitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Listerial meningoencephalitis is a severe infection of the central nervous system caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is characterized by inflammation of the meninges and brain, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A32.12 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this serious condition.

What is ICD-10 Code A32.12 for Listerial meningoencephalitis?

ICD-10 Code A32.12 specifically denotes Listerial meningoencephalitis, an infection resulting from Listeria monocytogenes. This code should be used when documenting cases of meningoencephalitis linked to Listeria, particularly in patients with risk factors such as immunocompromised states or pregnancy. Accurate use of this code is crucial for clinical documentation and billing processes.

ICD-10 Code A32.12 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Listerial meningoencephalitis

Listerial meningoencephalitis is primarily caused by the ingestion of contaminated food, leading to the bacteria crossing the blood-brain barrier. The condition can progress rapidly, necessitating immediate medical intervention to prevent severe neurological damage or death.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills
• Headache and neck stiffness
• Altered mental status or confusion
• Seizures in severe cases

ICD-10 Code A32.12 for Listerial meningoencephalitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A32.12 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Listerial meningoencephalitis, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute care settings and for follow-up evaluations.

What Does ICD-10 Code A32.12 for Listerial meningoencephalitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A32.12 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Listerial meningoencephalitis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A32.12 – Listerial meningoencephalitis

Listerial meningoencephalitis requires urgent hospitalization and often necessitates antibiotic therapy to combat the infection effectively.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Ampicillin (4 g IV every 4 hours for 14-21 days)
• Alternative: Gentamicin (1.5 mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 14-21 days)
• Consideration for patients allergic to penicillin: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

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 meningoencephalitis (ICD-10 A32.12) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe headache and fever.
• Complaints of neck stiffness and photophobia.
• History of recent consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
• Altered mental status noted by family members.

Objective:

• Temperature: 39.5°C (103.1°F)
• Neurological exam shows confusion and disorientation.
• Nuchal rigidity observed on physical examination.
• CSF analysis reveals elevated white blood cell count with lymphocytic predominance.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Listerial meningoencephalitis (ICD-10 Code A32.12)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Listerial meningoencephalitis, severe.
• ICD-10 Code: A32.12.
• Contributing factors: Recent consumption of contaminated food.
• Patient is immunocompromised due to underlying condition.

Plan:

• Initiate intravenous ampicillin therapy.
• Monitor vital signs and neurological status closely.
• Educate patient and family on the importance of food safety.
• Schedule follow-up lumbar puncture to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A32.12 – Listerial meningoencephalitis

• Administer appropriate antibiotics based on susceptibility.
• Implement supportive care measures to manage symptoms.
• Regularly monitor neurological status and vital signs.
• Educate on prevention strategies to avoid future infections.

Using ICD-10 Code A32.12 for Listerial meningoencephalitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use the code in acute care settings and follow-up visits.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Listerial meningoencephalitis

• A32.0 – Listeriosis
• A32.1 – Listerial meningitis
• A32.89 – Other listerial infections

ICD-10 Code A32.12 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Listerial meningoencephalitis

ICD-10 Code A32.12 is critical for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use the code in conjunction with other relevant codes for comprehensive billing.
• Ensure that the documentation reflects the severity and complexity of the case.
• Include patient history and risk factors in the medical record.

Common CPT Pairings: