General paresis is a late manifestation of syphilis characterized by progressive neurological decline, including cognitive impairment, personality changes, and motor dysfunction. It is crucial for accurate diagnosis and documentation to ensure appropriate treatment and billing. The ICD-10 Code A52.17 facilitates precise coding for healthcare providers, enabling effective public health reporting and resource allocation.
What is ICD-10 Code A52.17 for General paresis?
ICD-10 Code A52.17 represents General paresis, a severe neurological disorder resulting from untreated syphilis infection. This code should be used when documenting cases of cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms, and motor dysfunction associated with this condition, ensuring accurate billing and clinical documentation.
ICD-10 Code A52.17 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of General paresis
General paresis is caused by the chronic effects of syphilis on the central nervous system, leading to progressive neurological deterioration. It requires immediate medical attention due to its severe impact on cognitive and motor functions.
Key Clinical Features:
- Cognitive impairment, including memory loss and confusion
- Personality changes, such as irritability and mood swings
- Motor dysfunction, including tremors and weakness
- Seizures in advanced cases
ICD-10 Code A52.17 for General paresis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
ICD-10 Code A52.17 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. It is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.
What Does ICD-10 Code A52.17 for General paresis Mean in SOAP Notes?
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A52.17 connects subjective patient reports and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of General paresis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A52.17 – General paresis
General paresis necessitates urgent medical intervention, often requiring hospitalization for comprehensive management.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Benzathine penicillin G: 2.4 million units IM once
- Procaine penicillin: 1.2 million units IM daily for 10-14 days
- Doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice daily for 14 days (alternative)
Supportive Care:
- Psychiatric evaluation and management
- Physical therapy to address motor deficits
- Cognitive rehabilitation strategies
Infection Control:
- Standard precautions to prevent transmission
- Education on syphilis prevention and treatment adherence
How to Document Symptoms of General paresis (ICD-10 A52.17) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports memory loss and confusion over the past few months.
- Family notes significant personality changes and irritability.
- Patient experiences occasional tremors in the hands.
Objective:
- Neurological examination reveals cognitive deficits.
- Motor assessment shows weakness in upper and lower extremities.
- Vital signs stable; no acute distress noted.
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing General paresis (ICD-10 Code A52.17)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: General paresis, severe cognitive and motor impairment.
- ICD-10 Code: A52.17.
- Contributing factors: History of untreated syphilis.
Plan:
- Initiate benzathine penicillin G treatment.
- Refer to psychiatry for evaluation and management.
- Schedule follow-up in 1 month to assess treatment response.
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A52.17 – General paresis
- First-line treatment with benzathine penicillin G.
- Psychiatric support for behavioral symptoms.
- Physical therapy to improve motor function.
- Regular follow-up to monitor cognitive and motor status.
Using ICD-10 Code A52.17 for General paresis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and history.
- Use A52.17 in appropriate clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient.
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with General paresis
- A52.00 – Asymptomatic neurosyphilis
- A52.01 – Symptomatic neurosyphilis
- A53.0 – Other and unspecified syphilis
- F02.80 – Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere
ICD-10 Code A52.17 in Medical Billing and Insurance for General paresis
ICD-10 Code A52.17 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care related to General paresis.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant patient history and symptoms.
- Use A52.17 in inpatient settings for accurate claims.
- Ensure compliance with coding guidelines for reimbursement.
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99223 | Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more. |
| 96101 | Psychological testing, interpretation, and report. |
| 97110 | Therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A52.17 for General paresis
What are the common symptoms of General paresis?
Common symptoms include cognitive decline, personality changes, motor dysfunction, and seizures. Patients may exhibit confusion and irritability, necessitating thorough neurological evaluation.
How is General paresis treated?
Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy with benzathine penicillin G, along with supportive care such as psychiatric management and physical therapy to address motor deficits.
Is General paresis contagious?
General paresis itself is not contagious; however, it is a complication of syphilis, which is sexually transmitted. Proper treatment of syphilis can prevent the development of General paresis.
When should ICD-10 Code A52.17 be used?
ICD-10 Code A52.17 should be used when documenting cases of General paresis resulting from syphilis, particularly when patients present with neurological symptoms and a history of syphilis infection.
