ICD-10 Code A44.9 | Bartonellosis, unspecified Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Bartonellosis, unspecified is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Bartonella genus, primarily transmitted through insect bites. It can lead to various clinical manifestations, including fever, lymphadenopathy, and skin lesions. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A44.9 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can track and manage this condition effectively.

What is ICD-10 Code A44.9 for Bartonellosis, unspecified?

ICD-10 Code A44.9 represents Bartonellosis, unspecified, a condition characterized by infection from Bartonella species without a specified type. This code is used when the clinical presentation does not allow for a more specific diagnosis. It is essential for accurate clinical documentation and billing, particularly in cases where the infection's specifics are not yet determined.

ICD-10 Code A44.9 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Bartonellosis, unspecified

Bartonellosis, unspecified is caused by various species of the Bartonella bacteria, often transmitted through insect vectors such as fleas and ticks. The condition can progress to more severe manifestations if left untreated, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills, often with a sudden onset.
• Lymphadenopathy, particularly in the axillary or cervical regions.
• Skin lesions, which may appear as papules or nodules.
• Fatigue and malaise, which can be persistent.

ICD-10 Code A44.9 for Bartonellosis, unspecified – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A44.9 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition and guiding clinical decision-making.

What Does ICD-10 Code A44.9 for Bartonellosis, unspecified Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A44.9 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Bartonellosis, unspecified. This code is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A44.9 – Bartonellosis, unspecified

Bartonellosis, unspecified may require hospitalization in severe cases, particularly if systemic symptoms are present. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential for effective treatment.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 21 days).
• Alternative: Azithromycin (500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days).
• Consideration of Rifampin in severe cases.

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and electrolyte management.
• Pain management with analgesics.
• Monitoring for complications such as endocarditis.

Infection Control:

• Implement standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Educate patients on vector control measures.
• Monitor for outbreaks in endemic areas.

How to Document Symptoms of Bartonellosis, unspecified (ICD-10 A44.9) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports fever and chills for the past week.
• Notable fatigue and malaise affecting daily activities.
• History of recent insect bites in endemic areas.
• Complaints of swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Objective:

• Temperature: 101°F on examination.
• Lymphadenopathy noted in cervical and axillary regions.
• Skin examination reveals multiple papules.
• Vital signs stable, with no respiratory distress.

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 Bartonellosis, unspecified (ICD-10 Code A44.9)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Bartonellosis, unspecified (ICD-10 A44.9).
• Severity: Moderate, based on systemic symptoms.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic areas.
• Consider differential diagnoses such as other vector-borne diseases.

Plan:

• Initiate doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 21 days.
• Educate patient on vector avoidance and symptom monitoring.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to assess treatment response.
• Consider referral to infectious disease specialist if no improvement.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A44.9 – Bartonellosis, unspecified

• First-line pharmacologic treatment with doxycycline.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies include patient education on vector control.
• Monitoring for symptom resolution and potential complications.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure treatment efficacy and adjust as needed.

Using ICD-10 Code A44.9 for Bartonellosis, unspecified in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical findings.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Use CPT codes that correspond to the services provided during the visit.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Bartonellosis, unspecified

• A44.0 – Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis
• A44.1 – Bartonellosis due to Bartonella henselae
• A44.2 – Bartonellosis due to Bartonella quintana
• A49.9 – Bacterial infection, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A44.9 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Bartonellosis, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A44.9 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and treatment to support claims.
• Use this code in settings where the diagnosis is confirmed or suspected.
• Include relevant clinical findings in the medical record to justify the code.

Common CPT Pairings: