ICD-10 Code B55.1 | Cutaneous leishmaniasis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus, transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. It presents as skin lesions, which can lead to significant morbidity. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code B55.1 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can track and manage this condition effectively.

What is ICD-10 Code B55.1 for Cutaneous leishmaniasis?

ICD-10 Code B55.1 specifically denotes cutaneous leishmaniasis, a skin infection caused by Leishmania parasites. This code should be used when documenting cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in clinical settings, ensuring accurate billing and facilitating appropriate treatment plans. It is crucial for healthcare providers to utilize this code to reflect the diagnosis accurately in patient records.

ICD-10 Code B55.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is primarily caused by the bite of infected sandflies, leading to skin lesions that can become ulcerative. The condition requires medical attention to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to reducing the risk of secondary infections and scarring.

Key Clinical Features:

• Painless skin ulcers that may develop weeks to months after exposure.
• Lesions typically appear on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face and arms.
• Possible lymphadenopathy in regional lymph nodes.
• History of travel to endemic areas where sandflies are prevalent.

ICD-10 Code B55.1 for Cutaneous leishmaniasis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code B55.1 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plans for cutaneous leishmaniasis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive documentation that supports clinical decision-making and billing processes.

What Does ICD-10 Code B55.1 for Cutaneous leishmaniasis Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B55.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This coding ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B55.1 – Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Prompt treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is essential to prevent complications and promote healing. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases or when systemic symptoms are present.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Pentavalent antimonials (e.g., sodium stibogluconate) for 20 days.
• Alternative: Miltefosine for 28 days in cases resistant to first-line therapy.
• Supportive antibiotics may be used for secondary infections.

Supportive Care:

• Wound care to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Pain management with analgesics as needed.
• Education on avoiding sandfly exposure during treatment.

Infection Control:

• Use of insect repellent and protective clothing in endemic areas.
• Vector control measures to reduce sandfly populations.
• Patient education on the importance of follow-up care.

How to Document Symptoms of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (ICD-10 B55.1) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports painless ulcer on the arm that developed over the past month.
• History of travel to endemic region in the past 6 months.
• No fever or systemic symptoms reported.
• Patient expresses concern about scarring from the lesion.

Objective:

• Examination reveals a 2 cm ulcer with raised borders on the left forearm.
• Regional lymph nodes are non-tender and not enlarged.
• Vital signs stable: BP 120/80, HR 72, Temp 98.6°F.
• No signs of secondary infection noted.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Cutaneous leishmaniasis (ICD-10 Code B55.1)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, mild severity.
• ICD-10 Code: B55.1.
• Recent travel to endemic area identified as a contributing factor.
• No evidence of systemic involvement at this time.

Plan:

• Initiate treatment with pentavalent antimonials for 20 days.
• Educate patient on wound care and signs of infection.
• Schedule follow-up appointment in 2 weeks to assess healing.
• Advise on preventive measures against sandfly bites.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B55.1 – Cutaneous leishmaniasis

• First-line pharmacologic treatment includes pentavalent antimonials.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies include proper wound care and hygiene.
• Monitoring for signs of secondary infection and treatment response.
• Follow-up appointments to assess lesion healing and adjust treatment as necessary.

Using ICD-10 Code B55.1 for Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical presentation and severity.
• Document all relevant symptoms and findings in Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
• Include only CPT codes that are commonly billed with ICD-10 Code B55.1.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Cutaneous leishmaniasis

• B55.0 – Visceral leishmaniasis
• B55.2 – Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis
• A92.8 – Other specified viral infections transmitted by arthropods
• B55.9 – Leishmaniasis, unspecified

ICD-10 Code B55.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Cutaneous leishmaniasis

ICD-10 Code B55.1 is critical for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings to support the use of B55.1.
• Ensure coding is consistent with the patient's clinical presentation.
• Use this code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for billing.
• Maintain clear records of treatment plans and patient education.

Common CPT Pairings: