ICD-10 Code A54.43 | Gonococcal osteomyelitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Gonococcal osteomyelitis is a rare but serious infection of the bone caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It typically occurs as a complication of disseminated gonococcal infection, leading to significant morbidity. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A54.43 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this condition.

What is ICD-10 Code A54.43 for Gonococcal osteomyelitis?

ICD-10 Code A54.43 specifically denotes Gonococcal osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone resulting from the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This code should be used when documenting cases of osteomyelitis linked to gonococcal infection, particularly in patients with a history of sexually transmitted infections. Accurate use of this code is crucial for clinical documentation and billing processes.

ICD-10 Code A54.43 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Gonococcal osteomyelitis

Gonococcal osteomyelitis arises from the hematogenous spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, often following untreated or inadequately treated gonorrhea. The condition can lead to severe complications, including chronic pain and disability, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Acute onset of localized bone pain and swelling.
• Fever and systemic signs of infection.
• History of gonococcal infection or risk factors for STIs.
• Possible joint involvement, particularly in the hips or knees.

ICD-10 Code A54.43 for Gonococcal osteomyelitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A54.43 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Gonococcal osteomyelitis, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management.

What Does ICD-10 Code A54.43 for Gonococcal osteomyelitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code A54.43 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Gonococcal osteomyelitis. This code supports continuity of care, facilitates accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A54.43 – Gonococcal osteomyelitis

Gonococcal osteomyelitis requires urgent medical attention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is critical to address the infection.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Ceftriaxone 1g IV daily for 7-14 days.
• Alternative: Azithromycin 1g orally in a single dose.
• Consideration of dual therapy for resistant strains.

Supportive Care:

• Pain management with NSAIDs or opioids as needed.
• Physical therapy to maintain joint function.
• Hydration and nutritional support.

Infection Control:

• Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols.
• Isolation precautions if indicated during outbreaks.
• Education on STI prevention for affected individuals.

How to Document Symptoms of Gonococcal osteomyelitis (ICD-10 A54.43) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe pain in the affected limb.
• History of recent gonorrhea infection.
• Complaints of fever and malaise.
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected joint.

Objective:

• Localized tenderness and swelling over the bone.
• Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) noted on examination.
• Imaging shows bone edema or abscess formation.
• Elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, ESR).

Secure, compliant, and built for trust

HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.

Learn more

SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Gonococcal osteomyelitis (ICD-10 Code A54.43)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Gonococcal osteomyelitis, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A54.43.
• Contributing factors: Recent history of gonorrhea.
• Consideration of joint involvement in assessment.

Plan:

• Initiate IV ceftriaxone therapy.
• Monitor vital signs and laboratory parameters.
• Educate patient on STI prevention and treatment adherence.
• Schedule follow-up imaging to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A54.43 – Gonococcal osteomyelitis

• First-line treatment with ceftriaxone for effective infection control.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies include physical therapy for mobility.
• Regular monitoring of inflammatory markers to assess treatment efficacy.
• Patient education on the importance of completing antibiotic therapy.

Using ICD-10 Code A54.43 for Gonococcal osteomyelitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use A54.43 in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for billing.
• Maintain compliance with clinical guidelines for treatment documentation.
• Document any complications or comorbidities that may affect billing.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Gonococcal osteomyelitis

• A54.00 – Gonococcal infection of unspecified site
• A54.01 – Gonococcal infection of the lower genitourinary tract
• A54.02 – Gonococcal infection of the upper genitourinary tract
• A54.03 – Gonococcal infection of the rectum

ICD-10 Code A54.43 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Gonococcal osteomyelitis

ICD-10 Code A54.43 is critical in billing for hospital, ER, or infectious disease care related to Gonococcal osteomyelitis.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use A54.43 in the appropriate clinical settings for accurate billing.
• Ensure that treatment plans align with documented symptoms and assessments.

Common CPT Pairings: