ICD-10 Code A51.32 | Syphilitic alopecia Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Syphilitic alopecia is a manifestation of secondary syphilis characterized by hair loss, typically presenting as patchy alopecia. This condition arises from the systemic effects of Treponema pallidum infection, which can lead to significant psychological distress and social stigma. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A51.32 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and treat this condition.

What is ICD-10 Code A51.32 for Syphilitic alopecia?

ICD-10 Code A51.32 specifically denotes syphilitic alopecia, a type of hair loss associated with secondary syphilis. This code should be utilized in clinical documentation when a patient presents with hair loss linked to syphilis, allowing for accurate billing and tracking of this sexually transmitted infection's complications. Proper use of this code aids in the identification and management of affected individuals.

ICD-10 Code A51.32 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Syphilitic alopecia

Syphilitic alopecia is caused by the systemic infection of Treponema pallidum, leading to hair loss as part of the secondary stage of syphilis. This condition can progress if left untreated, necessitating prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.

Key Clinical Features:

• Patchy hair loss, often in a moth-eaten pattern.
• Associated with other systemic symptoms of secondary syphilis, such as rash and lymphadenopathy.
• May cause psychological distress due to visible hair loss.
• Typically resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment for syphilis.

ICD-10 Code A51.32 for Syphilitic alopecia – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A51.32 is utilized to document the presence of syphilitic alopecia, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A51.32 for Syphilitic alopecia Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A51.32 connects subjective reports of hair loss and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia. This code is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A51.32 – Syphilitic alopecia

Syphilitic alopecia requires prompt treatment to address the underlying syphilis infection and prevent further complications. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G: 2.4 million units IM in a single dose.
• Doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days (alternative).
• Tetracycline: 500 mg orally four times daily for 14 days (alternative).

Supportive Care:

• Counseling for psychological support regarding hair loss.
• Topical treatments to manage scalp health.
• Education on syphilis transmission and prevention.

Infection Control:

• Encourage safe sexual practices to prevent transmission.
• Screening and treatment of sexual partners.
• Public health reporting as required for STIs.

How to Document Symptoms of Syphilitic alopecia (ICD-10 A51.32) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports patchy hair loss over the scalp.
• History of recent sexual exposure with an untreated partner.
• Complaints of associated itching and discomfort on the scalp.
• Patient expresses concern about the appearance and social implications.

Objective:

• Physical examination reveals patchy alopecia with no signs of inflammation.
• Lymphadenopathy noted in cervical region.
• Skin examination shows a rash consistent with secondary syphilis.
• No other dermatological abnormalities observed.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Syphilitic alopecia (ICD-10 Code A51.32)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Syphilitic alopecia (ICD-10 A51.32), moderate severity.
• Relevant subcode: A51.32 for syphilitic alopecia.
• Contributing factors include untreated syphilis and potential immunocompromised state.
• Psychosocial factors impacting the patient's mental health.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment as per guidelines.
• Provide education on syphilis and its transmission.
• Schedule follow-up in 1 week to assess treatment response.
• Refer to dermatology for further management of alopecia if necessary.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A51.32 – Syphilitic alopecia

• First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G for syphilis.
• Consider alternative antibiotics if allergic to penicillin.
• Monitor for resolution of alopecia and other syphilis symptoms.
• Provide psychological support and counseling as needed.

Using ICD-10 Code A51.32 for Syphilitic alopecia in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings in SOAP notes.
• Use A51.32 for billing when syphilitic alopecia is diagnosed.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered alongside A51.32.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Syphilitic alopecia

• A51.0 – Primary syphilis
• A51.1 – Secondary syphilis
• A52.0 – Late syphilis
• A53.9 – Syphilis, unspecified

ICD-10 Code A51.32 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Syphilitic alopecia

ICD-10 Code A51.32 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care related to syphilitic alopecia.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings and patient history to support the use of A51.32.
• Ensure the code is used in appropriate settings, such as STI clinics or infectious disease units.
• Highlight key chart elements, including treatment plans and follow-up care.

Common CPT Pairings: