ICD-10 Code A36.83 | Diphtheritic polyneuritis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Diphtheritic polyneuritis is a neurological complication resulting from diphtheria infection, characterized by inflammation of peripheral nerves. This condition can lead to significant morbidity, including muscle weakness and paralysis. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A36.83 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively track and manage this serious complication.

What is ICD-10 Code A36.83 for Diphtheritic polyneuritis?

ICD-10 Code A36.83 specifically denotes Diphtheritic polyneuritis, a complication arising from diphtheria infection. This code should be utilized in clinical documentation when a patient presents with neurological symptoms linked to diphtheria, facilitating accurate billing and ensuring appropriate treatment protocols are followed.

ICD-10 Code A36.83 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Diphtheritic polyneuritis

Diphtheritic polyneuritis is caused by the neurotoxic effects of the diphtheria toxin, leading to demyelination and inflammation of peripheral nerves. The condition can progress rapidly, necessitating prompt medical intervention to prevent severe complications. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the limbs.
• Sensory disturbances, including paresthesia.
• Potential respiratory muscle involvement, leading to respiratory failure.
• History of diphtheria infection or vaccination status.

ICD-10 Code A36.83 for Diphtheritic polyneuritis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A36.83 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans related to Diphtheritic polyneuritis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition.

What Does ICD-10 Code A36.83 for Diphtheritic polyneuritis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A36.83 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Diphtheritic polyneuritis. This code is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A36.83 – Diphtheritic polyneuritis

Diphtheritic polyneuritis requires urgent medical attention, often necessitating hospitalization for monitoring and treatment. Antibiotic therapy is critical in managing the underlying diphtheria infection.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Penicillin G or Erythromycin for 14 days.
• Alternative: Clindamycin if allergic to penicillin.
• Consideration of antitoxin administration in severe cases.

Supportive Care:

• Monitoring of respiratory function and vital signs.
• Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength.
• Pain management and symptomatic relief.

Infection Control:

• Isolation precautions to prevent transmission.
• Vaccination status assessment for close contacts.
• Public health notification in outbreak scenarios.

How to Document Symptoms of Diphtheritic polyneuritis (ICD-10 A36.83) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports progressive weakness in the arms and legs.
• Complaints of tingling and numbness in extremities.
• History of recent respiratory illness consistent with diphtheria.

Objective:

• Neurological examination reveals decreased muscle strength.
• Sensory testing shows diminished sensation in distal extremities.
• Vital signs stable, but respiratory effort appears labored.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Diphtheritic polyneuritis (ICD-10 Code A36.83)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Diphtheritic polyneuritis, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A36.83.
• Contributing factors: Recent diphtheria infection.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy with Penicillin G.
• Refer to physical therapy for rehabilitation.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to reassess neurological status.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A36.83 – Diphtheritic polyneuritis

• Administer appropriate antibiotics based on sensitivity.
• Implement supportive care measures to manage symptoms.
• Monitor neurological status and respiratory function closely.
• Educate patient on the importance of follow-up care.

Using ICD-10 Code A36.83 for Diphtheritic polyneuritis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use the code in appropriate clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient care.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.
• Document any relevant comorbidities or complications.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Diphtheritic polyneuritis

• A36.0 – Diphtheria, respiratory
• A36.1 – Diphtheria, cutaneous
• A36.9 – Diphtheria, unspecified
• G62.9 – Polyneuropathy, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A36.83 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Diphtheritic polyneuritis

ICD-10 Code A36.83 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services rendered.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use the code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services provided.
• Ensure compliance with payer-specific guidelines for documentation.

Common CPT Pairings: