ICD-10 Code B76.9 | Hookworm disease, unspecified Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Hookworm disease, unspecified, is caused by parasitic infections from hookworms, primarily Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. This condition can lead to significant morbidity, including anemia and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code B76.9 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively manage and treat affected individuals.

What is ICD-10 Code B76.9 for Hookworm disease, unspecified?

ICD-10 Code B76.9 represents Hookworm disease, unspecified, which refers to an infection caused by hookworms without specifying the type or severity. This code should be used when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with hookworm infection, such as gastrointestinal distress or anemia, but without a definitive diagnosis of the specific hookworm species. It is crucial for clinical documentation and billing to ensure appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

ICD-10 Code B76.9 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Hookworm disease, unspecified

Hookworm disease, unspecified, is caused by the infestation of hookworms in the intestines, leading to nutrient malabsorption and anemia. The condition often requires medical attention due to its potential complications, including severe anemia and growth retardation in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent long-term health issues.

Key Clinical Features:

• Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
• Patients may exhibit signs of iron deficiency anemia.
• Epidemiologically prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Transmission occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil.

ICD-10 Code B76.9 for Hookworm disease, unspecified – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code B76.9 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the patient's symptoms, assessment findings, and treatment plan for hookworm disease. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, facilitating accurate clinical documentation and ensuring appropriate billing practices.

What Does ICD-10 Code B76.9 for Hookworm disease, unspecified Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B76.9 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of hookworm disease. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting electronic health record documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B76.9 – Hookworm disease, unspecified

Hookworm disease, unspecified, may require hospitalization in severe cases, particularly when complications arise. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications and supportive care.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• First-line: Albendazole 400 mg orally once.
• Alternative: Mebendazole 500 mg orally once.
• Duration: Single dose is usually sufficient.

Supportive Care:

• Iron supplementation for anemia management.
• Nutritional support to address malnutrition.
• Hydration therapy if diarrhea is severe.

Infection Control:

• Educate patients on proper sanitation and hygiene.
• Encourage wearing shoes to prevent skin contact with contaminated soil.
• Implement community health measures during outbreaks.

How to Document Symptoms of Hookworm disease, unspecified (ICD-10 B76.9) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea.
• History of travel to endemic areas.
• Complaints of fatigue and weakness.
• Notable weight loss over the past month.

Objective:

• Vital signs: BP 110/70 mmHg, HR 88 bpm, Temp 98.6°F.
• Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the epigastric region.
• Laboratory results show low hemoglobin levels.
• Stool examination positive for hookworm ova.

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 Hookworm disease, unspecified (ICD-10 Code B76.9)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Hookworm disease, unspecified, moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: B76.9.
• Contributing factors: Recent travel to endemic regions.
• Common triggers: Exposure to contaminated soil.

Plan:

• Pharmacologic treatment: Administer albendazole 400 mg orally.
• Patient education on hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Monitor hemoglobin levels and nutritional status.
• Schedule follow-up in 2 weeks to reassess symptoms.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B76.9 – Hookworm disease, unspecified

• First-line pharmacologic treatment: Albendazole or mebendazole.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies: Nutritional counseling and hygiene education.
• Monitoring practices: Regular hemoglobin checks and symptom tracking.
• Follow-up recommendations: Reassess in 2-4 weeks for treatment efficacy.

Using ICD-10 Code B76.9 for Hookworm disease, unspecified in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select accurate subcodes based on clinical severity or complications.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) in SOAP notes.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Commonly billed CPT codes include evaluation and management services.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Hookworm disease, unspecified

• B76.0 – Ancylostomiasis
• B76.1 – Necatoriasis
• B74.9 – Other protozoal diseases, unspecified
• A09 – Diarrhea of unspecified origin

ICD-10 Code B76.9 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Hookworm disease, unspecified

ICD-10 Code B76.9 is critical in medical billing, particularly in hospital, emergency room, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Ensure documentation includes patient history and symptomatology.
• Use this code in conjunction with relevant laboratory findings.
• Highlight any complications or comorbidities for accurate billing.
• Maintain clear records of treatment plans and follow-up care.

Common CPT Pairings: