ICD-10 Code B55.0 | Visceral leishmaniasis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Visceral leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, is a severe form of leishmaniasis that primarily affects internal organs, particularly the spleen and liver. It is clinically significant due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality if left untreated. The ICD-10 Code B55.0 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively track and manage this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code B55.0 for Visceral leishmaniasis?

ICD-10 Code B55.0 represents visceral leishmaniasis, a serious infectious disease caused by the Leishmania species. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with this condition, which can lead to significant complications if not treated promptly. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-10 Code B55.0 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies and can progress to severe systemic illness. It requires prompt medical attention due to its potential to cause life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Key Clinical Features:

Fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly are common presenting symptoms.
Hematological abnormalities such as anemia and leukopenia may be observed.
The disease can progress to severe complications, including liver and spleen dysfunction.
Epidemiologically, it is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

ICD-10 Code B55.0 for Visceral leishmaniasis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B55.0 is utilized to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans related to visceral leishmaniasis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the patient's condition.

What Does ICD-10 Code B55.0 for Visceral leishmaniasis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code B55.0 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B55.0 – Visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management. Treatment typically involves specific antileishmanial therapies.

Antibiotic Therapy:

First-line: Liposomal amphotericin B (duration: 10-20 days).
Alternative: Miltefosine (duration: 28 days).
Alternative: Sodium stibogluconate (duration: 28 days).

Supportive Care:

Fluid and electrolyte management.
Nutritional support to address weight loss.
Monitoring for complications such as secondary infections.

Infection Control:

Implement vector control measures to prevent sandfly bites.
Educate patients on personal protective measures.
Isolate patients during outbreaks to prevent transmission.

How to Document Symptoms of Visceral leishmaniasis (ICD-10 B55.0) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

Patient reports persistent fever and significant weight loss.
History of travel to endemic regions within the last year.
Complaints of fatigue and night sweats.

Objective:

Physical examination reveals splenomegaly and pallor.
Laboratory tests show anemia and leukopenia.
Imaging may demonstrate hepatomegaly.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Visceral leishmaniasis (ICD-10 Code B55.0)

Assessment:

Diagnosis: Visceral leishmaniasis, moderate severity.
ICD-10 Code: B55.0.
Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic areas.

Plan:

Initiate treatment with liposomal amphotericin B.
Provide education on disease transmission and prevention.
Schedule follow-up in one month to monitor treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B55.0 – Visceral leishmaniasis

Administer first-line antileishmanial therapy as per guidelines.
Encourage patient adherence to treatment regimen.
Monitor for adverse effects and treatment efficacy.
Provide nutritional support and manage any complications.

Using ICD-10 Code B55.0 for Visceral leishmaniasis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
Use the code in appropriate clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient care.
Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
Document any relevant comorbidities or complications.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Visceral leishmaniasis

ICD-10 Code B55.0 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Visceral leishmaniasis

ICD-10 Code B55.0 is crucial for billing purposes in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
Use the code in settings where patients receive treatment for visceral leishmaniasis.
Ensure that all chart elements align with coding guidelines.

Common CPT Pairings:

CPT Code	Description
96401	Chemotherapy administration, intravenous, push technique.
36415	Collection of venous blood by venipuncture.
99223	Initial hospital care, typically 70 minutes or more.