ICD-10 Code A50.44 | Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy is a condition resulting from untreated congenital syphilis, leading to damage of the optic nerve. This condition is clinically significant as it can result in vision impairment or blindness. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A50.44 facilitates proper diagnosis, documentation, and billing, ensuring appropriate public health reporting and resource allocation.

What is ICD-10 Code A50.44 for Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy?

ICD-10 Code A50.44 represents Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy, a complication of congenital syphilis that affects the optic nerve, leading to visual deficits. This code should be used in clinical documentation when diagnosing patients with a history of congenital syphilis who present with optic nerve atrophy, ensuring accurate billing and tracking of this serious condition.

ICD-10 Code A50.44 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy is caused by the effects of untreated congenital syphilis, leading to degeneration of the optic nerve. This condition can progress to significant visual impairment and requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.

Key Clinical Features:

• Visual impairment or loss, often progressive.
• History of congenital syphilis in the patient.
• Optic nerve pallor observed during fundoscopic examination.
• Possible associated neurological deficits.

ICD-10 Code A50.44 for Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A50.44 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the diagnosis of late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy. It plays a crucial role in capturing patient symptoms, assessments, and treatment plans, relevant in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A50.44 for Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A50.44 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of optic nerve atrophy due to congenital syphilis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A50.44 – Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy requires urgent medical intervention to manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration of vision.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G: 50,000 units/kg IM once weekly for 3 weeks.
• Alternative: Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days.

Supportive Care:

• Regular ophthalmologic evaluations.
• Visual rehabilitation services.
• Counseling for patients and families regarding visual impairment.

Infection Control:

• Standard precautions to prevent transmission during treatment.
• Education on syphilis transmission and prevention.

How to Document Symptoms of Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy (ICD-10 A50.44) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports gradual vision loss over several months.
• History of congenital syphilis diagnosed at birth.
• Complaints of difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
• Family notes changes in behavior related to vision.

Objective:

• Visual acuity testing shows significant impairment.
• Fundoscopic examination reveals optic nerve pallor.
• Neurological examination shows no additional deficits.
• Patient's vital signs are stable.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy (ICD-10 Code A50.44)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A50.44.
• Contributing factors: History of untreated congenital syphilis.
• Visual impairment noted as a significant concern.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment as per guidelines.
• Refer to ophthalmology for comprehensive evaluation.
• Educate patient on the importance of follow-up appointments.
• Schedule follow-up in 4 weeks to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A50.44 – Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

• First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G.
• Referral to visual rehabilitation services.
• Regular monitoring of visual acuity and optic nerve health.
• Patient education on managing visual impairment.

Using ICD-10 Code A50.44 for Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of patient history and symptoms.
• Use A50.44 in settings involving ophthalmology and infectious disease.
• Document all relevant clinical findings in the Objective section.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

• A50.0 – Congenital syphilis, unspecified
• A50.1 – Congenital syphilis, early
• A50.2 – Congenital syphilis, late
• H47.1 – Optic nerve atrophy

ICD-10 Code A50.44 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

ICD-10 Code A50.44 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital and infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and clinical findings.
• Use A50.44 in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services rendered.
• Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment provided.
• Maintain compliance with documentation standards for insurance claims.

Common CPT Pairings: