ICD-10 Code B37.5 | Candidal meningitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Candidal meningitis is a rare but serious fungal infection of the central nervous system caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. It is clinically significant due to its potential to cause severe neurological impairment and high mortality rates if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The ICD-10 Code B37.5 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this condition.

What is ICD-10 Code B37.5 for Candidal meningitis?

ICD-10 Code B37.5 specifically represents candidal meningitis, an infection characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord due to Candida species. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when a patient presents with symptoms indicative of meningitis, and laboratory tests confirm the presence of Candida, ensuring appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

ICD-10 Code B37.5 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Candidal meningitis

Candidal meningitis is primarily caused by the hematogenous spread of Candida species, often in immunocompromised patients. The condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications, including neurological deficits and death, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills
• Headache and neck stiffness
• Altered mental status
• Photophobia
• Seizures

ICD-10 Code B37.5 for Candidal meningitis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B37.5 is utilized to document the diagnosis of candidal meningitis, 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 B37.5 for Candidal meningitis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code B37.5 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of candidal meningitis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B37.5 – Candidal meningitis

Candidal meningitis requires urgent medical attention and often hospitalization for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Amphotericin B (4-6 weeks)
• Alternative: Fluconazole (6-12 months)
• Consider echinocandins for resistant cases
• Monitor renal function during treatment

Supportive Care:

• Hydration and electrolyte management
• Neurological monitoring
• Symptomatic relief for headache and fever
• Psychiatric support if needed

Infection Control:

• Implement standard precautions
• Isolate patients with disseminated candidiasis
• Educate staff on fungal infection protocols
• Monitor for outbreaks in immunocompromised populations

How to Document Symptoms of Candidal meningitis (ICD-10 B37.5) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe headache and neck stiffness
• Complaints of fever and chills for 3 days
• History of immunosuppression due to chemotherapy
• Photophobia noted by the patient

Objective:

• Fever of 39°C
• Neck rigidity on examination
• Altered mental status observed
• Positive Brudzinski's sign

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Candidal meningitis (ICD-10 Code B37.5)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Candidal meningitis, severe
• ICD-10 Code: B37.5
• Contributing factors: Immunocompromised state
• Consider differential diagnoses such as bacterial meningitis

Plan:

• Initiate Amphotericin B therapy
• Monitor vital signs and neurological status
• Educate patient on infection risks and treatment
• Schedule follow-up lumbar puncture to assess treatment response

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B37.5 – Candidal meningitis

• Administer antifungal therapy as per guidelines
• Provide supportive care to manage symptoms
• Regularly assess for neurological changes
• Plan for follow-up imaging and lab tests

Using ICD-10 Code B37.5 for Candidal meningitis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and findings
• Use B37.5 in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for billing
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for reimbursement
• Document all patient interactions and treatment responses thoroughly

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Candidal meningitis

• B37.0 – Candidiasis of skin
• B37.1 – Candidiasis of oral cavity
• B37.9 – Candidiasis, unspecified
• B37.2 – Candidiasis of vulva and vagina
• B37.3 – Candidiasis of other sites

ICD-10 Code B37.5 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Candidal meningitis

ICD-10 Code B37.5 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings and treatments
• Use B37.5 in appropriate settings to support claims
• Ensure compliance with payer guidelines for candidal infections
• Include detailed notes on patient history and treatment response

Common CPT Pairings: