ICD-10 Code A39.1 | Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a severe condition characterized by adrenal hemorrhage, often due to meningococcal infection. It is clinically significant as it can lead to adrenal insufficiency and shock, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The ICD-10 Code A39.1 facilitates accurate documentation, billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this critical condition.

What is ICD-10 Code A39.1 for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

ICD-10 Code A39.1 represents Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, a life-threatening condition resulting from adrenal gland failure due to hemorrhage, typically associated with severe bacterial infections like meningococcemia. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients presenting with symptoms indicative of adrenal crisis or septic shock.

ICD-10 Code A39.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is primarily caused by severe bacterial infections, particularly Neisseria meningitidis, leading to adrenal hemorrhage and acute adrenal insufficiency. The condition progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Acute adrenal insufficiency with hypotension
• Fever and signs of systemic infection
• Petechial or purpuric rash
• Altered mental status or confusion

ICD-10 Code A39.1 for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A39.1 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, capturing critical symptoms, assessments, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute care settings and ongoing management of patients with adrenal insufficiency.

What Does ICD-10 Code A39.1 for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A39.1 connects subjective patient reports and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A39.1 – Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and treatment. Antibiotic therapy is critical in managing the underlying infection.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Ceftriaxone: 2 g IV every 12 hours for 7-14 days
• Vancomycin: 15 mg/kg IV every 6-8 hours for 7-14 days
• Alternative: Meropenem for resistant cases

Supportive Care:

• Fluid resuscitation to manage shock
• Administration of glucocorticoids for adrenal insufficiency
• Monitoring vital signs and laboratory parameters

Infection Control:

• Implement droplet precautions for suspected meningococcal infections
• Isolate patients until confirmed non-infectious
• Vaccination for close contacts to prevent outbreaks

How to Document Symptoms of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (ICD-10 A39.1) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports sudden onset of fever and chills.
• History of recent upper respiratory infection.
• Complaints of severe fatigue and weakness.
• Patient describes a rash that has developed over the past 24 hours.

Objective:

• Vital signs: BP 80/50 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, Temp 39.5°C.
• Physical exam reveals petechiae on the trunk and extremities.
• Laboratory results show elevated creatinine and low cortisol levels.
• Auscultation reveals normal lung sounds, no wheezing.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (ICD-10 Code A39.1)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, severe adrenal crisis.
• ICD-10 Code: A39.1.
• Contributing factors: Recent bacterial infection, possible meningococcemia.
• Severity: Critical, requiring immediate intervention.

Plan:

• Initiate broad-spectrum IV antibiotics (Ceftriaxone and Vancomycin).
• Administer IV fluids and glucocorticoids (Hydrocortisone).
• Monitor vital signs and laboratory values closely.
• Plan for ICU admission for intensive monitoring and management.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A39.1 – Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

• First-line pharmacologic treatments include IV antibiotics and glucocorticoids.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies involve fluid resuscitation and monitoring.
• Regular monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters is essential.
• Follow-up care should include reassessment of adrenal function and infection status.

Using ICD-10 Code A39.1 for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 codes based on clinical findings and severity.
• 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 emergency services and laboratory tests.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

• A39.0 – Meningococcal meningitis
• A39.2 – Meningococcemia

ICD-10 Code A39.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

ICD-10 Code A39.1 is crucial for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and treatment to support claims.
• Use this code in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for services rendered.
• Document the clinical rationale for hospitalization and treatment decisions.
• Maintain clear records of patient history and clinical findings.

Common CPT Pairings: