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ICD-10 Code A39.53 | Meningococcal pericarditis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Meningococcal pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium caused by Neisseria meningitidis infection. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential to lead to severe complications, including cardiac tamponade and heart failure. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A39.53 facilitates proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this serious infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A39.53 for Meningococcal pericarditis?

ICD-10 Code A39.53 specifically denotes Meningococcal pericarditis, a rare but serious complication of meningococcal infection. This code should be used when documenting cases of pericarditis directly linked to Neisseria meningitidis. It is essential for accurate clinical documentation and billing, particularly in acute care settings where timely intervention is critical.

ICD-10 Code A39.53 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Meningococcal pericarditis

Meningococcal pericarditis arises from the spread of Neisseria meningitidis, leading to inflammation of the pericardial sac. This condition can progress rapidly, necessitating immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications such as cardiac tamponade. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Fever and chills
  • Pericardial friction rub on auscultation
  • Signs of heart failure or tamponade

ICD-10 Code A39.53 for Meningococcal pericarditis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A39.53 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Meningococcal pericarditis, 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 A39.53 for Meningococcal pericarditis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A39.53 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Meningococcal pericarditis. This linkage is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A39.53 – Meningococcal pericarditis

Meningococcal pericarditis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical in treating the underlying infection.

Antibiotic Therapy:

  • Ceftriaxone (first-line, 7-14 days)
  • Vancomycin (alternative, 7-14 days)
  • Ampicillin (alternative, 7-14 days)

Supportive Care:

  • Monitoring for signs of cardiac tamponade
  • Pain management with NSAIDs
  • Fluid management to prevent overload

Infection Control:

  • Isolation precautions during outbreaks
  • Hand hygiene protocols
  • Vaccination for close contacts

How to Document Symptoms of Meningococcal pericarditis (ICD-10 A39.53) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

  • Patient reports sharp chest pain worsening with deep breaths
  • History of fever and chills for the past 3 days
  • Complaints of fatigue and shortness of breath
  • No known drug allergies reported

Objective:

  • Vital signs: BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm
  • Auscultation reveals pericardial friction rub
  • Elevated white blood cell count
  • Chest X-ray shows enlarged cardiac silhouette
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Meningococcal pericarditis (ICD-10 Code A39.53)

Assessment:

  • Diagnosis: Meningococcal pericarditis, severe
  • ICD-10 Code: A39.53
  • Contributing factors: Recent upper respiratory infection
  • Patient exhibits signs of potential cardiac tamponade.

Plan:

  • Initiate IV antibiotics (Ceftriaxone)
  • Monitor cardiac function and vital signs
  • Educate patient on symptoms of worsening condition
  • Schedule follow-up echocardiogram in 1 week.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A39.53 – Meningococcal pericarditis

  • Administer broad-spectrum IV antibiotics promptly
  • Provide supportive care including pain management
  • Monitor for complications such as cardiac tamponade
  • Educate patient on the importance of follow-up care.

Using ICD-10 Code A39.53 for Meningococcal pericarditis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

  • Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Use A39.53 in acute care settings for appropriate billing
  • Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support claims
  • Document all relevant patient interactions and assessments.

ICD-10 Code A39.53 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Meningococcal pericarditis

ICD-10 Code A39.53 is crucial for billing in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services rendered.

Billing Notes:

  • Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis
  • Use A39.53 in conjunction with other related codes as necessary
  • Ensure compliance with payer-specific documentation requirements
  • Include detailed treatment plans in the medical record.

Common CPT Pairings:

CPT CodeDescription
99284Emergency department visit, high severity
93000Electrocardiogram, ECG
36415Collection of venous blood by venipuncture
71045Chest X-ray, single view

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A39.53 for Meningococcal pericarditis

What are the common symptoms of Meningococcal pericarditis?

Common symptoms include chest pain, fever, chills, and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience fatigue and signs of heart failure, such as swelling in the legs or abdomen.

How is Meningococcal pericarditis treated?

Treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics to target Neisseria meningitidis, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and monitor for complications like cardiac tamponade.

Is Meningococcal pericarditis contagious?

While the bacteria that cause meningococcal pericarditis can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, the pericarditis itself is not contagious. Close contacts may require prophylactic antibiotics.

When should ICD-10 Code A39.53 be used?

ICD-10 Code A39.53 should be used when documenting cases of pericarditis specifically linked to meningococcal infection, particularly in acute care settings.

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