ICD-10 Code A51.43 | Secondary syphilitic oculopathy Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Secondary syphilitic oculopathy is an ocular manifestation of secondary syphilis, characterized by inflammation of the eye structures due to Treponema pallidum infection. This condition is clinically significant as it can lead to vision impairment if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The ICD-10 Code A51.43 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code A51.43 for Secondary syphilitic oculopathy?

ICD-10 Code A51.43 represents Secondary syphilitic oculopathy, which occurs as a complication of secondary syphilis. This condition involves ocular inflammation and can lead to serious visual complications. The code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with ocular symptoms related to secondary syphilis, ensuring proper identification and management of the disease.

ICD-10 Code A51.43 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Secondary syphilitic oculopathy

Secondary syphilitic oculopathy is caused by the systemic spread of Treponema pallidum, leading to inflammation in the eye. It can progress to severe visual impairment if not treated. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and preserve vision.

Key Clinical Features:

• Ocular symptoms such as blurred vision, photophobia, and redness.
• Possible involvement of multiple eye structures, including the retina and choroid.
• History of syphilis or risk factors for sexually transmitted infections.
• Potential for rapid progression if left untreated.

ICD-10 Code A51.43 for Secondary syphilitic oculopathy – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A51.43 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the presence of ocular symptoms associated with secondary syphilis. It plays a critical role in assessing the patient's condition, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring accurate billing in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code A51.43 for Secondary syphilitic oculopathy Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A51.43 connects subjective reports of ocular symptoms with objective clinical findings, facilitating a formal diagnosis of secondary syphilitic oculopathy. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A51.43 – Secondary syphilitic oculopathy

Secondary syphilitic oculopathy requires urgent medical intervention to prevent vision loss. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential, along with supportive care to manage symptoms.

Antibiotic Therapy:

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

Supportive Care:

• Regular ophthalmologic evaluations to monitor vision.
• Use of topical lubricants to relieve dryness and irritation.
• Pain management as needed.

Infection Control:

• Educate patients on safe sexual practices to prevent transmission.
• Screening and treatment of sexual partners.

How to Document Symptoms of Secondary syphilitic oculopathy (ICD-10 A51.43) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.
• History of recent syphilis diagnosis and treatment.
• Complaints of eye redness and discomfort.

Objective:

• Visual acuity testing shows reduced vision in affected eye.
• Ophthalmic examination reveals retinal inflammation.
• No signs of other ocular diseases noted.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Secondary syphilitic oculopathy (ICD-10 Code A51.43)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Secondary syphilitic oculopathy, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A51.43.
• Contributing factors: Recent syphilis infection.

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment.
• Schedule follow-up ophthalmology appointment in one week.
• Educate patient on safe sexual practices and partner notification.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A51.43 – Secondary syphilitic oculopathy

• First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G.
• Patient education on the importance of completing antibiotic therapy.
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor ocular health.
• Referral to an ophthalmologist for specialized care.

Using ICD-10 Code A51.43 for Secondary syphilitic oculopathy in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history in Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Use A51.43 for billing when ocular symptoms are present in patients with a history of syphilis.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Document all relevant findings to meet EHR standards.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Secondary syphilitic oculopathy

• A50.0 – Congenital syphilis
• A51.0 – Primary syphilis
• A51.1 – Secondary syphilis
• A52.0 – Late syphilis

ICD-10 Code A51.43 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Secondary syphilitic oculopathy

ICD-10 Code A51.43 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings, ensuring accurate reimbursement for services rendered.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and ocular symptoms to support the use of A51.43.
• Use this code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for comprehensive billing.
• Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment provided.

Common CPT Pairings: