ICD-10 Code A79.1 | Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Rickettsialpox is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia akari, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected mite. It presents with fever, rash, and eschar formation. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A79.1 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can track and manage this condition effectively.

What is ICD-10 Code A79.1 for Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari?

ICD-10 Code A79.1 represents Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari, an infectious disease characterized by fever, rash, and eschar at the site of the mite bite. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with this specific condition, ensuring accurate tracking and management of the disease.

ICD-10 Code A79.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

Rickettsialpox is caused by the bite of an infected mite, leading to a febrile illness with characteristic skin lesions. The disease can progress if not treated, necessitating medical attention to prevent complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient recovery.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills, often accompanied by malaise.
• Rash that typically begins as macules and progresses to papules and vesicles.
• Eschar formation at the site of the mite bite, which is a key diagnostic feature.
• Lymphadenopathy may be present in some cases.
• Epidemiological links to areas with known mite infestations.

ICD-10 Code A79.1 for Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A79.1 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plan for Rickettsialpox. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, facilitating accurate clinical workflows and billing processes.

What Does ICD-10 Code A79.1 for Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A79.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Rickettsialpox. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A79.1 – Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

Rickettsialpox requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Doxycycline is the first-line treatment, typically administered for 7-14 days.
• Alternative antibiotics include chloramphenicol for those allergic to doxycycline.
• Supportive care may be necessary for symptomatic relief.

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and antipyretics for fever management.
• Topical treatments for skin lesions if necessary.
• Monitoring for potential complications.

Infection Control:

• Implement standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Educate patients on avoiding mite exposure.
• Report cases to public health authorities during outbreaks.

How to Document Symptoms of Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari (ICD-10 A79.1) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports fever and chills for the past 3 days.
• Complains of a rash that started as small red spots.
• History of recent outdoor activities in areas known for mite exposure.
• Reports fatigue and mild headache.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Temperature 101°F, pulse 88 bpm.
• Rash observed on trunk and extremities, with eschar noted on the left forearm.
• Lymphadenopathy present in the axillary region.
• No signs of respiratory distress or other systemic involvement.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari (ICD-10 Code A79.1)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari, mild severity.
• ICD-10 Code: A79.1.
• Recent outdoor exposure to potential mite habitats identified as a contributing factor.
• No significant comorbidities noted.

Plan:

• Initiate doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.
• Educate patient on the importance of completing the antibiotic course.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to monitor progress.
• Advise on symptom management and signs of complications.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A79.1 – Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

• Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for Rickettsialpox.
• Patient education on avoiding mite exposure is crucial.
• Monitor for any signs of complications during follow-up.
• Consider supportive care measures for symptom relief.

Using ICD-10 Code A79.1 for Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings in SOAP notes.
• Use A79.1 for billing when diagnosing Rickettsialpox to support claims.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to justify billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes that correspond with the services provided.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

• A79.0 – Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari, unspecified
• A77.0 – Ehrlichiosis due to Ehrlichia chaffeensis
• A78.0 – Typhus fever due to Rickettsia prowazekii
• A79.2 – Other rickettsial diseases

ICD-10 Code A79.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Rickettsialpox due to Rickettsia akari

ICD-10 Code A79.1 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and clinical findings to support the use of A79.1.
• Ensure that the code is used in appropriate clinical settings to avoid claim denials.
• Include detailed notes on treatment plans and patient education in the medical record.

Common CPT Pairings: