ICD-10 Code A96.2 | Lassa fever Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their excreta. Clinically significant due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality, accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A96.2 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring effective management and resource allocation.

What is ICD-10 Code A96.2 for Lassa fever?

ICD-10 Code A96.2 represents Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, including fever, hemorrhage, and multi-organ involvement, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

ICD-10 Code A96.2 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Lassa fever

Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, which is endemic in parts of West Africa. The disease progresses rapidly, often leading to severe complications such as hemorrhagic manifestations and organ failure, necessitating prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving patient outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and malaise
• Hemorrhagic symptoms (e.g., bleeding gums, conjunctival bleeding)
• Multi-organ dysfunction (e.g., liver, kidney involvement)
• Neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, confusion)
• Epidemiological link to rodent exposure

ICD-10 Code A96.2 for Lassa fever – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code A96.2 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the clinical presentation of Lassa fever, including symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, facilitating comprehensive patient management and accurate billing.

What Does ICD-10 Code A96.2 for Lassa fever Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A96.2 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Lassa fever. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A96.2 – Lassa fever

Lassa fever requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization due to its infectious nature and potential complications.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Ribavirin (first-line treatment) - administered intravenously or orally for 7-10 days
• Supportive care may include blood transfusions if hemorrhagic symptoms are present

Supportive Care:

• Fluid replacement therapy to prevent dehydration
• Management of fever and pain with antipyretics and analgesics
• Monitoring and supportive care for multi-organ dysfunction

Infection Control:

• Strict adherence to infection control protocols to prevent nosocomial transmission
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers
• Isolation of infected patients during outbreaks

How to Document Symptoms of Lassa fever (ICD-10 A96.2) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports high fever and severe fatigue.
• Complaints of bleeding from gums and nose.
• History of exposure to rodents or travel to endemic areas.
• Nausea and vomiting noted by the patient.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Temperature 39.5°C, heart rate 110 bpm.
• Physical examination reveals conjunctival hemorrhage.
• Laboratory findings: Thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes.
• Signs of dehydration and altered mental status.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Lassa fever (ICD-10 Code A96.2)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Lassa fever (ICD-10 Code A96.2), severe presentation.
• Severity: High risk due to hemorrhagic symptoms and multi-organ involvement.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic region and rodent exposure.

Plan:

• Initiate ribavirin therapy as per treatment guidelines.
• Provide supportive care including IV fluids and monitoring.
• Educate patient on infection control measures and signs of deterioration.
• Schedule follow-up in 48 hours to reassess clinical status.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A96.2 – Lassa fever

• Administer ribavirin as first-line antiviral therapy.
• Implement hydration protocols to manage fluid balance.
• Monitor vital signs and laboratory parameters closely.
• Educate on prevention strategies and potential complications.

Using ICD-10 Code A96.2 for Lassa fever in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings under Subjective (S) and Objective (O).
• Use A96.2 for all encounters related to Lassa fever to support billing.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to justify coding.
• Document any complications or comorbidities that may affect treatment.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Lassa fever

• A96.0 – Lassa fever with hemorrhagic manifestations
• A96.1 – Lassa fever with renal involvement

ICD-10 Code A96.2 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Lassa fever

ICD-10 Code A96.2 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the use of A96.2.
• Ensure coding is consistent with the patient's clinical presentation and treatment.
• Utilize A96.2 in conjunction with other relevant codes for comprehensive billing.
• Review payer-specific guidelines for any additional documentation requirements.

Common CPT Pairings: