ICD-10 Code B72 | Dracunculiasis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Dracunculiasis, commonly known as Guinea worm disease, is caused by the parasitic infection of Dracunculus medinensis. It is characterized by the emergence of a long, thin worm from the skin, typically after a year of infection. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code B72 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, facilitating effective management and control of this neglected tropical disease.

What is ICD-10 Code B72 for Dracunculiasis?

ICD-10 Code B72 represents Dracunculiasis, a parasitic infection caused by Dracunculus medinensis. This code is used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with this condition, which is characterized by the painful emergence of the adult worm from the skin. Proper use of this code ensures accurate medical records and supports public health initiatives aimed at controlling this disease.

ICD-10 Code B72 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Dracunculiasis

Dracunculiasis is caused by the ingestion of water contaminated with larvae of the Guinea worm. After a year of development, the adult female worm emerges through the skin, causing significant pain and disability. This condition requires medical attention to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Key Clinical Features:

• Emergence of a painful blister on the skin, often on the lower limbs.
• Presence of a long, thin worm protruding from the blister.
• Severe pain and inflammation at the site of emergence.
• Secondary bacterial infections due to skin lesions.

ICD-10 Code B72 for Dracunculiasis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code B72 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the symptoms, assessment, and treatment of Dracunculiasis. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient management and facilitating accurate billing.

What Does ICD-10 Code B72 for Dracunculiasis Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B72 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Dracunculiasis. This code is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, supporting billing processes, and meeting EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B72 – Dracunculiasis

Dracunculiasis requires prompt medical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• No specific antibiotics are indicated for Dracunculiasis; however, secondary infections may require treatment.
• Supportive care is essential to manage symptoms.

Supportive Care:

• Pain management with analgesics.
• Wound care to prevent secondary infections.
• Hydration and nutritional support.

Infection Control:

• Educate patients on avoiding contaminated water sources.
• Implement measures to prevent the spread of infection in endemic areas.

How to Document Symptoms of Dracunculiasis (ICD-10 B72) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports severe pain and swelling at the site of worm emergence.
• History of exposure to contaminated water sources.
• Complaints of fever and malaise.

Objective:

• Visual confirmation of a blister with a protruding worm.
• Localized erythema and edema.
• Vital signs: elevated temperature, normal blood pressure.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Dracunculiasis (ICD-10 Code B72)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Dracunculiasis (ICD-10 B72).
• Severity: Moderate, based on pain and inflammation.
• Contributing factors: Exposure to contaminated water.

Plan:

• Provide analgesics for pain relief.
• Educate on wound care and hygiene.
• Schedule follow-up to monitor for complications.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B72 – Dracunculiasis

• Monitor for signs of secondary infection and treat as necessary.
• Educate patients on the importance of avoiding contaminated water.
• Implement community health measures to reduce transmission.

Using ICD-10 Code B72 for Dracunculiasis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
• Use the code in settings where Dracunculiasis is diagnosed or treated.
• Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines to support billing.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Dracunculiasis

ICD-10 Code B72 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Dracunculiasis

ICD-10 Code B72 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant symptoms and clinical findings to support the claim.
• Use the code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services rendered.
• Ensure compliance with coding guidelines to avoid claim denials.

Common CPT Pairings: