ICD-10 Code A57 | Chancroid Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is characterized by painful ulcers on the genitalia and can lead to significant morbidity if left untreated. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A57 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 A57 for Chancroid?

ICD-10 Code A57 represents Chancroid, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the genital area, leading to painful sores. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with Chancroid, ensuring accurate representation of the condition for treatment and epidemiological tracking.

ICD-10 Code A57 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Chancroid

Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, which leads to the formation of painful ulcers on the genitalia. The condition is highly infectious and requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications and transmission. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing Chancroid effectively.

Key Clinical Features:

• Presence of painful genital ulcers, often with a necrotic base.
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin (buboes).
• History of unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual.
• Possible systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise.

ICD-10 Code A57 for Chancroid – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A57 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans for Chancroid. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition and facilitating appropriate billing.

What Does ICD-10 Code A57 for Chancroid Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A57 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Chancroid. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A57 – Chancroid

Chancroid requires prompt treatment to prevent complications and further transmission. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose.
• Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days.
• Ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly in a single dose.

Supportive Care:

• Pain management with analgesics.
• Proper wound care to prevent secondary infections.
• Patient education on safe sexual practices.

Infection Control:

• Encourage abstinence from sexual activity until lesions have healed.
• Notify sexual partners for evaluation and treatment.
• Implement safe sex practices to prevent future infections.

How to Document Symptoms of Chancroid (ICD-10 A57) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports painful genital ulcers for the past week.
• History of recent unprotected sexual contact.
• Complaints of swollen groin lymph nodes.
• Denies fever or systemic symptoms.

Objective:

• Physical examination reveals multiple painful ulcers on the genitalia.
• Bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy noted.
• No signs of systemic infection observed.
• Vital signs stable with no fever.

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 Chancroid (ICD-10 Code A57)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Chancroid, confirmed by clinical presentation.
• ICD-10 Code: A57.
• Severity: Moderate, due to the presence of multiple ulcers and lymphadenopathy.
• Contributing factors: Recent unprotected sexual contact.

Plan:

• Initiate antibiotic therapy with Azithromycin 1 g orally.
• Educate the patient on safe sexual practices and the importance of partner notification.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to assess treatment response.
• Monitor for any signs of complications or secondary infections.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A57 – Chancroid

• First-line pharmacologic treatment includes Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies involve patient education on safe sexual practices.
• Monitoring for treatment response and potential complications is essential.
• Follow-up appointments should be scheduled to ensure resolution of symptoms.

Using ICD-10 Code A57 for Chancroid in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code A57 for accurate billing and documentation.
• Document all symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered during the visit.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Chancroid

• A54.9 – Unspecified gonococcal infection
• A56.9 – Unspecified other sexually transmitted infection
• A63.0 – Anogenital (venereal) warts

ICD-10 Code A57 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Chancroid

ICD-10 Code A57 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure documentation includes detailed patient history and clinical findings.
• Use A57 in settings where Chancroid is diagnosed or treated.
• Include all relevant symptoms and treatment plans in the medical record.
• Verify that the code aligns with the services provided for accurate claims.

Common CPT Pairings: