ICD-10 Code A50.42 | Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis is a severe neurological complication resulting from untreated congenital syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This condition manifests in infants and children, leading to significant morbidity and potential mortality. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A50.42 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate care and resources.

What is ICD-10 Code A50.42 for Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis?

ICD-10 Code A50.42 represents Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis, a serious condition that arises from congenital syphilis. This code should be used when documenting cases where infants or children exhibit neurological symptoms due to untreated maternal syphilis during pregnancy. Proper use of this code in clinical documentation and billing is crucial for accurate patient care and reimbursement.

ICD-10 Code A50.42 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis is caused by the transplacental transmission of Treponema pallidum, leading to neurological damage in affected infants. The condition can progress to severe complications if not identified and treated promptly, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Neurological deficits such as seizures or developmental delays.
• Cognitive impairments and behavioral issues.
• Possible presence of hydrocephalus or other structural brain abnormalities.
• History of maternal syphilis infection during pregnancy.

ICD-10 Code A50.42 for Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A50.42 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis, 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 A50.42 for Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A50.42 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis. This code is vital for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A50.42 – Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for comprehensive care.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G: 50,000 units/kg IM once weekly for 3 weeks.
• Alternative: Procaine penicillin G if benzathine is not available.

Supportive Care:

• Neurological monitoring and assessment.
• Therapeutic interventions for developmental delays.
• Symptomatic treatment for seizures or other neurological symptoms.

Infection Control:

• Standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Education on maternal syphilis screening and treatment.

How to Document Symptoms of Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis (ICD-10 A50.42) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient exhibits developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
• Reported history of maternal syphilis infection.
• Family notes episodes of seizures or unusual behavior.

Objective:

• Neurological examination reveals abnormal reflexes.
• Imaging studies show signs of hydrocephalus.
• Developmental assessment indicates significant delays.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis (ICD-10 Code A50.42)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis, severe.
• ICD-10 Code: A50.42.
• Contributing factors: Maternal untreated syphilis.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment.
• Refer for developmental therapy and neurological follow-up.
• Schedule regular monitoring for neurological progress.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A50.42 – Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

• Administer appropriate antibiotic therapy as per guidelines.
• Implement supportive care strategies for developmental delays.
• Conduct regular follow-ups to monitor neurological status.
• Educate caregivers on the importance of maternal screening.

Using ICD-10 Code A50.42 for Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use the code in appropriate clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient care.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.
• Document all relevant assessments and interventions in EHR.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

• A50.0 – Congenital syphilis, unspecified
• A50.1 – Congenital syphilis, early
• A50.3 – Congenital syphilis, late
• A50.9 – Congenital syphilis, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A50.42 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis

ICD-10 Code A50.42 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care related to Late congenital syphilitic encephalitis.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use the code in inpatient settings for accurate reimbursement.
• Ensure compliance with coding guidelines for congenital infections.

Common CPT Pairings: