ICD-10 Code A37.91 | Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The unspecified species with pneumonia indicates a severe manifestation of the disease, characterized by paroxysmal coughing fits and potential complications such as pneumonia. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A37.91 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and treat this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A37.91 for Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia?

ICD-10 Code A37.91 represents whooping cough caused by an unspecified species of Bordetella, accompanied by pneumonia. This code is used when the specific causative agent is not identified, but the patient presents with symptoms of whooping cough and pneumonia. It is crucial for clinical documentation and billing to accurately reflect the severity of the condition and its complications.

ICD-10 Code A37.91 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia

Whooping cough, characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a 'whoop' sound, is caused primarily by Bordetella pertussis. When pneumonia develops as a complication, it necessitates immediate medical attention due to the risk of respiratory failure and other serious outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Paroxysmal cough lasting more than two weeks.
• Inspiratory whoop sound following coughing fits.
• Coughing episodes may lead to vomiting or exhaustion.
• Signs of pneumonia such as fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

ICD-10 Code A37.91 for Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A37.91 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. It plays a vital role in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition and facilitating appropriate billing.

What Does ICD-10 Code A37.91 for Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A37.91 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of whooping cough with pneumonia. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A37.91 – Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia

The management of whooping cough with pneumonia requires prompt intervention to prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases, particularly in infants and those with respiratory distress.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Azithromycin 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg for 4 days.
• Alternative: Clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.
• Alternative: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for those allergic to macrolides.

Supportive Care:

• Hydration to prevent dehydration.
• Oxygen therapy for patients with hypoxia.
• Cough suppressants may be considered in severe cases.

Infection Control:

• Isolate patients during the contagious period.
• Ensure vaccination status is up to date for close contacts.
• Implement droplet precautions in healthcare settings.

How to Document Symptoms of Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia (ICD-10 A37.91) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports a persistent cough lasting over two weeks.
• Coughing fits are accompanied by vomiting.
• Patient experiences difficulty breathing during episodes.
• History of exposure to a confirmed case of whooping cough.

Objective:

• Wheezing and stridor noted on auscultation.
• Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute.
• Oxygen saturation at 92% on room air.
• Fever of 101°F recorded.

Secure, compliant, and built for trust

HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.

Learn more

SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia (ICD-10 Code A37.91)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Whooping cough with pneumonia, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A37.91.
• Contributing factors: Recent exposure to infected individuals.
• Complications: Risk of respiratory failure due to pneumonia.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy as per guidelines.
• Provide education on cough management and hydration.
• Monitor respiratory status and oxygen saturation closely.
• Schedule follow-up in 1 week to reassess symptoms.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A37.91 – Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia

• Administer appropriate antibiotics based on clinical guidelines.
• Encourage fluid intake and rest to support recovery.
• Monitor for signs of respiratory distress and complications.
• Educate the patient on the importance of vaccination for prevention.

Using ICD-10 Code A37.91 for Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use the code in settings where whooping cough is diagnosed and treated.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes that correspond to the services provided.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia

• A37.0 – Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis
• A37.9 – Whooping cough, unspecified
• J20.9 – Acute bronchitis, unspecified
• J18.9 – Pneumonia, unspecified organism

ICD-10 Code A37.91 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia

ICD-10 Code A37.91 is critical for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services rendered.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant symptoms and clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use the code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for billing.
• Ensure that the documentation reflects the severity and complexity of the case.
• Review payer-specific guidelines for coding and billing requirements.

Common CPT Pairings: