ICD-10 Code A36.86 | Diphtheritic conjunctivitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Diphtheritic conjunctivitis is an ocular manifestation of diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential to cause severe complications, including vision loss. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A36.86 ensures proper diagnosis, documentation, and billing, facilitating effective public health reporting and management of this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A36.86 for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis?

ICD-10 Code A36.86 represents Diphtheritic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva associated with diphtheria. This code is used when documenting cases of conjunctivitis that arise as a complication of diphtheria, ensuring accurate clinical documentation and appropriate billing for healthcare services related to this infectious condition.

ICD-10 Code A36.86 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

Diphtheritic conjunctivitis is caused by the spread of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically through direct contact or respiratory droplets. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to significant ocular complications, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva
• Presence of a grayish membrane on the conjunctiva
• Purulent discharge from the affected eye
• Possible systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise

ICD-10 Code A36.86 for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A36.86 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Diphtheritic conjunctivitis, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A36.86 for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A36.86 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Diphtheritic conjunctivitis. This linkage is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A36.86 – Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

Diphtheritic conjunctivitis requires urgent medical attention due to its infectious nature. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Penicillin or Erythromycin for 10-14 days
• Alternative: Clindamycin for patients allergic to penicillin
• Consideration of systemic antibiotics if systemic symptoms are present

Supportive Care:

• Warm compresses to alleviate discomfort
• Topical lubricants to manage dryness
• Monitoring for potential complications

Infection Control:

• Strict hygiene practices to prevent spread
• Isolation of affected individuals during outbreaks
• Education on transmission prevention

How to Document Symptoms of Diphtheritic conjunctivitis (ICD-10 A36.86) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports redness and irritation in the right eye.
• Complaints of purulent discharge and discomfort.
• History of recent upper respiratory infection.
• No known allergies reported.

Objective:

• Conjunctival injection noted on examination.
• Grayish membrane observed on the conjunctiva.
• Purulent discharge present.
• Vital signs stable with mild fever.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Diphtheritic conjunctivitis (ICD-10 Code A36.86)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Diphtheritic conjunctivitis, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A36.86.
• Contributing factors: Recent exposure to diphtheria infection.
• Monitor for systemic involvement.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy with Penicillin or Erythromycin.
• Educate patient on hygiene and infection control measures.
• Schedule follow-up in 1 week to assess treatment response.
• Consider referral to ophthalmology if symptoms worsen.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A36.86 – Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

• First-line pharmacologic treatment includes Penicillin or Erythromycin.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies involve warm compresses and topical lubricants.
• Monitoring includes assessing symptom resolution and potential complications.
• Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure effective management.

Using ICD-10 Code A36.86 for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select accurate subcodes based on clinical severity or complications.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) in SOAP notes.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Commonly billed CPT codes include those for office visits and diagnostic tests.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

• A36.0 – Diphtheria, respiratory tract
• A36.9 – Diphtheria, unspecified
• H10.1 – Acute conjunctivitis, viral
• H10.2 – Acute conjunctivitis, bacterial

ICD-10 Code A36.86 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

ICD-10 Code A36.86 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure documentation includes detailed clinical findings and treatment plans.
• Use this code in settings where diphtheritic conjunctivitis is diagnosed and treated.
• Highlight key chart elements such as symptoms, treatment response, and follow-up plans.

Common CPT Pairings: