Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing. The ICD-10 Code A37.90 is essential for accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that cases are tracked and managed effectively to prevent outbreaks.
What is ICD-10 Code A37.90 for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia?
ICD-10 Code A37.90 represents whooping cough caused by unspecified species of Bordetella without pneumonia. This code is used when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with whooping cough but without evidence of pneumonia. It is crucial for clinical documentation and billing to ensure appropriate treatment and tracking of this infectious disease.
ICD-10 Code A37.90 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
Whooping cough is primarily caused by Bordetella pertussis, leading to severe coughing spells that can last for weeks. The condition is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to manage symptoms and reduce transmission.
Key Clinical Features:
- Severe paroxysmal cough
- Inspiratory whoop sound
- Post-tussive vomiting
- Coughing fits lasting weeks
ICD-10 Code A37.90 for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
ICD-10 Code A37.90 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment, and treatment plan. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring that healthcare providers can track the disease's progression and response to treatment effectively.
What Does ICD-10 Code A37.90 for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia Mean in SOAP Notes?
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A37.90 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of whooping cough. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A37.90 – Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
Prompt treatment of whooping cough is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases, especially for infants.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Azithromycin (5 days)
- Clarithromycin (7 days)
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (7 days)
Supportive Care:
- Hydration and nutritional support
- Cough suppressants as needed
- Monitoring for respiratory distress
Infection Control:
- Isolate infected individuals during the contagious period
- Educate on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Vaccination for close contacts
How to Document Symptoms of Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia (ICD-10 A37.90) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports severe coughing fits lasting several weeks
- Coughing episodes are followed by vomiting
- Patient experiences difficulty breathing during coughing spells
Objective:
- Wheezing noted on auscultation
- Respiratory rate: 28 breaths/min
- Oxygen saturation: 95% on room air
- Coughing fits observed during examination
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia (ICD-10 Code A37.90)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia, moderate severity
- ICD-10 Code: A37.90
- Triggers: Recent exposure to infected individuals
- Complications: Risk of pneumonia
Plan:
- Initiate antibiotic therapy as per guidelines
- Educate patient on symptom management and hydration
- Schedule follow-up in one week to monitor progress
- Advise on infection control measures
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A37.90 – Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
- First-line antibiotics: Azithromycin or Clarithromycin
- Encourage fluid intake and rest
- Monitor respiratory status and oxygen levels
- Educate on avoiding irritants and triggers
Using ICD-10 Code A37.90 for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history in SOAP notes
- Use A37.90 for patients with confirmed whooping cough without pneumonia
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing
- Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
- A37.01 – Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis with pneumonia
- A37.02 – Whooping cough due to Bordetella parapertussis with pneumonia
- A37.03 – Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis without pneumonia
- A37.9 – Whooping cough, unspecified
ICD-10 Code A37.90 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
ICD-10 Code A37.90 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care, ensuring accurate claims processing.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant symptoms and history to support the diagnosis
- Use A37.90 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services
- Ensure compliance with payer guidelines for infectious disease billing
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99213 | Established patient office visit, level 3 |
| 99214 | Established patient office visit, level 4 |
| 36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A37.90 for Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia
What are the common symptoms of whooping cough?
Common symptoms include severe coughing fits, a characteristic 'whoop' sound during inhalation, vomiting after coughing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can last for several weeks.
How is whooping cough treated?
Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. Supportive care, including hydration and monitoring for respiratory distress, is also important.
Is whooping cough contagious?
Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets. Infected individuals should be isolated to prevent transmission.
When should I seek medical attention for whooping cough?
Medical attention should be sought if the patient experiences severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, or if symptoms worsen, especially in infants and young children.
