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ICD-10 Code A52.14 | Late syphilitic encephalitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Late syphilitic encephalitis is a severe neurological complication of untreated syphilis, caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. This condition is clinically significant as it can lead to serious cognitive and motor impairments. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A52.14 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care and resources.

What is ICD-10 Code A52.14 for Late syphilitic encephalitis?

ICD-10 Code A52.14 represents Late syphilitic encephalitis, a neurological manifestation of tertiary syphilis. This code should be used when a patient presents with neurological symptoms linked to a history of syphilis, particularly when the condition has progressed to affect the central nervous system. Proper documentation and coding are crucial for accurate billing and treatment planning.

ICD-10 Code A52.14 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Late syphilitic encephalitis

Late syphilitic encephalitis is caused by the progression of untreated syphilis, leading to inflammation of the brain and its membranes. This condition can result in significant morbidity and requires immediate medical attention to prevent further neurological damage.

Key Clinical Features:

  • Cognitive decline and memory loss
  • Motor dysfunction or coordination issues
  • Seizures or altered mental status
  • History of untreated syphilis

ICD-10 Code A52.14 for Late syphilitic encephalitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A52.14 is utilized to document the patient's neurological symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A52.14 for Late syphilitic encephalitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A52.14 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of late syphilitic encephalitis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A52.14 – Late syphilitic encephalitis

Late syphilitic encephalitis 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 (if penicillin allergy, for 14 days)

Supportive Care:

  • Neurological monitoring
  • Symptomatic treatment for seizures
  • Physical therapy for motor function recovery

Infection Control:

  • Standard precautions to prevent transmission
  • Education on safe practices for patients and contacts

How to Document Symptoms of Late syphilitic encephalitis (ICD-10 A52.14) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

  • Patient reports memory loss and confusion
  • Complaints of difficulty with coordination
  • History of untreated syphilis
  • Reports of recent seizures

Objective:

  • Neurological examination reveals cognitive impairment
  • Motor skills assessment shows ataxia
  • CT/MRI shows signs of encephalitis
  • Vital signs stable with no acute distress
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Late syphilitic encephalitis (ICD-10 Code A52.14)

Assessment:

  • Diagnosis: Late syphilitic encephalitis, severe
  • ICD-10 Code: A52.14
  • Contributing factors: History of untreated syphilis
  • Severity: High due to neurological involvement

Plan:

  • Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment
  • Refer for neurological evaluation
  • Educate patient on disease progression and treatment
  • Schedule follow-up in one month to assess recovery

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A52.14 – Late syphilitic encephalitis

  • First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G
  • Consider alternative antibiotics for penicillin-allergic patients
  • Implement supportive care measures for neurological symptoms
  • Regular follow-up to monitor treatment efficacy and neurological status

Using ICD-10 Code A52.14 for Late syphilitic encephalitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

  • Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history in SOAP notes
  • Use A52.14 in conjunction with relevant clinical findings
  • Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing
  • Include only relevant CPT codes that support the diagnosis and treatment

ICD-10 Code A52.14 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Late syphilitic encephalitis

ICD-10 Code A52.14 is critical for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

  • Document all relevant patient history and symptoms clearly
  • Use A52.14 in the appropriate clinical context for accurate billing
  • Ensure all chart elements support the diagnosis and treatment provided

Common CPT Pairings:

CPT CodeDescription
99223Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more of total time on the date of the encounter
96372Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug)
99214Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 25-29 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A52.14 for Late syphilitic encephalitis

What are the common symptoms of late syphilitic encephalitis?

Common symptoms include cognitive decline, memory loss, motor dysfunction, and seizures. Patients may also exhibit confusion and coordination issues, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.

How is late syphilitic encephalitis treated?

Treatment typically involves high-dose benzathine penicillin G. Supportive care for neurological symptoms is also essential, along with monitoring for potential complications.

Is late syphilitic encephalitis contagious?

Late syphilitic encephalitis itself is not contagious; however, the underlying syphilis infection is sexually transmitted. Proper treatment of syphilis can prevent the progression to this stage.

When should ICD-10 Code A52.14 be used?

ICD-10 Code A52.14 should be used when a patient presents with neurological symptoms linked to a history of syphilis, particularly when there is evidence of central nervous system involvement.

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