ICD-10 Code B56.1 | Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, also known as African sleeping sickness, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies. This condition is clinically significant due to its potential for severe neurological complications and high mortality if untreated. The ICD-10 Code B56.1 facilitates accurate diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and track this infectious disease.

What is ICD-10 Code B56.1 for Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis?

ICD-10 Code B56.1 specifically represents Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, a form of sleeping sickness caused by the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense parasite. This code should be used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with this condition, particularly when symptoms such as fever, headache, and neurological disturbances are present, indicating the need for appropriate treatment and monitoring.

ICD-10 Code B56.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by the Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense parasite, primarily transmitted through tsetse fly bites. The disease progresses through stages, initially presenting with fever and malaise, followed by neurological symptoms as it advances. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent severe complications and mortality.

Key Clinical Features:

• Fever and chills, often with a rapid onset.
• Neurological symptoms including confusion, sleep disturbances, and seizures.
• Lymphadenopathy, particularly in the posterior cervical region (Winterbottom's sign).
• Skin lesions or rash in some cases.
• History of travel to endemic areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

ICD-10 Code B56.1 for Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B56.1 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, 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 B56.1 for Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis Mean in SOAP Notes?

ICD-10 Code B56.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B56.1 – Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis requires urgent medical intervention, often necessitating hospitalization for effective management. Treatment typically involves specific antiparasitic medications.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Suramin for early-stage disease, typically administered as a single dose.
• Alternative: Pentamidine for early-stage disease if Suramin is contraindicated.
• Second-line: Eflornithine for late-stage disease, administered intravenously over 14 days.

Supportive Care:

• Monitor vital signs and neurological status closely.
• Provide hydration and nutritional support as needed.
• Manage pain and other symptoms with appropriate medications.

Infection Control:

• Implement standard precautions to prevent transmission.
• Educate patients on avoiding tsetse fly bites in endemic areas.
• Report cases to public health authorities as required.

How to Document Symptoms of Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis (ICD-10 B56.1) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports fever, chills, and fatigue over the past week.
• Complains of severe headaches and difficulty concentrating.
• History of travel to an endemic region in Africa.
• Noticed swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Objective:

• Vital signs: Temperature 39°C, heart rate 110 bpm.
• Neurological exam shows confusion and altered mental status.
• Lymphadenopathy noted in the posterior cervical region.
• Skin examination reveals no rashes or lesions.

Secure, compliant, and built for trust

HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.

Learn more

SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis (ICD-10 Code B56.1)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, acute stage.
• ICD-10 Code: B56.1.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic area, exposure to tsetse flies.
• Severity: Moderate, requiring immediate treatment.

Plan:

• Initiate treatment with Suramin as first-line therapy.
• Monitor patient in a hospital setting for neurological changes.
• Educate patient on disease transmission and prevention.
• Schedule follow-up in one week to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B56.1 – Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

• Administer Suramin for early-stage treatment, monitor for side effects.
• Provide education on avoiding tsetse fly exposure.
• Track neurological status and vital signs regularly.
• Plan for follow-up assessments to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Using ICD-10 Code B56.1 for Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings in SOAP notes.
• Use B56.1 in billing to reflect the diagnosis and treatment provided.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Document any complications or additional diagnoses that may affect treatment.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

• B56.0 – Gambiense trypanosomiasis
• B55.9 – Other trypanosomiasis
• A00.0 – Cholera

ICD-10 Code B56.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis

ICD-10 Code B56.1 is crucial for billing purposes in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant clinical findings and patient history to support the diagnosis.
• Use B56.1 in conjunction with other codes for comprehensive billing.
• Ensure that treatment plans are clearly outlined in the medical record.
• Follow payer-specific guidelines for documentation and coding.

Common CPT Pairings: