ICD-10 Code A52.13 | Late syphilitic meningitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late syphilitic meningitis is a severe complication of untreated syphilis, characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This condition arises from the progression of syphilis, leading to significant neurological impairment. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A52.13 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and treat this serious condition.

What is ICD-10 Code A52.13 for Late syphilitic meningitis?

ICD-10 Code A52.13 represents Late syphilitic meningitis, a manifestation of tertiary syphilis. This condition occurs when the Treponema pallidum bacterium invades the central nervous system, leading to severe complications. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with neurological symptoms associated with late-stage syphilis, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's condition for treatment and reimbursement purposes.

ICD-10 Code A52.13 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late syphilitic meningitis

Late syphilitic meningitis is caused by the progression of untreated syphilis, leading to the invasion of the central nervous system by Treponema pallidum. This condition can result in significant morbidity and requires immediate medical attention to prevent further neurological damage.

Key Clinical Features:

• Headaches and neck stiffness
• Altered mental status
• Fever and chills
• Neurological deficits such as weakness or sensory loss

ICD-10 Code A52.13 for Late syphilitic meningitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A52.13 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plan. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition and facilitating appropriate management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A52.13 for Late syphilitic meningitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A52.13 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of late syphilitic meningitis. This code is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A52.13 – Late syphilitic meningitis

Late syphilitic meningitis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units IM once)
• Procaine penicillin (daily for 10-14 days)
• Doxycycline (100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days)
• Ceftriaxone (2 g IV daily for 10-14 days)

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and electrolyte management
• Pain management with analgesics
• Monitoring neurological status
• Physical therapy for mobility issues

Infection Control:

• Standard precautions to prevent transmission
• Isolation if necessary during acute illness
• Education on safe practices to prevent syphilis spread

How to Document Symptoms of Late syphilitic meningitis (ICD-10 A52.13) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Complains of confusion and altered mental status
• History of untreated syphilis
• Experiencing fever and chills

Objective:

• Neurological examination reveals decreased reflexes
• Fever of 101°F
• Positive Brudzinski's sign
• CSF analysis shows elevated white blood cell count

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late syphilitic meningitis (ICD-10 Code A52.13)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Late syphilitic meningitis, severe
• ICD-10 Code: A52.13
• Contributing factors: History of untreated syphilis
• Neurological deficits noted during examination

Plan:

• Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment
• Provide supportive care including hydration
• Schedule follow-up neurological assessments
• Educate patient on syphilis transmission and prevention

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A52.13 – Late syphilitic meningitis

• First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G
• Consider alternative antibiotics if allergic
• Implement supportive care measures
• Regular monitoring of neurological status

Using ICD-10 Code A52.13 for Late syphilitic meningitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history
• Use A52.13 in conjunction with relevant CPT codes
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines
• Document all findings clearly to support billing

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Late syphilitic meningitis

• A52.12 – Late syphilitic myelopathy
• A52.11 – Late syphilitic aortitis
• A53.9 – Syphilis, unspecified
• A52.19 – Other late syphilis

ICD-10 Code A52.13 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late syphilitic meningitis

ICD-10 Code A52.13 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and symptoms
• Use A52.13 in appropriate clinical settings for accurate billing
• Ensure all treatment plans are well-documented
• Include diagnostic tests and results in the chart

Common CPT Pairings: