Trichuriasis is an intestinal infection caused by the whipworm, Trichuris trichiura. It is clinically significant due to its potential to cause gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and growth retardation in children. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code B79 facilitates proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring effective management of this parasitic infection.
What is ICD-10 Code B79 for Trichuriasis?
ICD-10 Code B79 represents Trichuriasis, an infection caused by the whipworm. This code is used in clinical documentation and billing when diagnosing patients with symptoms related to this parasitic infection, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Proper use of this code ensures accurate tracking of the disease and appropriate treatment protocols.
ICD-10 Code B79 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Trichuriasis
Trichuriasis is caused by the ingestion of whipworm eggs, which hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms. The condition can lead to significant morbidity, particularly in children, and requires medical attention to prevent complications such as anemia and growth issues.
Key Clinical Features:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Anemia due to blood loss
ICD-10 Code B79 for Trichuriasis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B79 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Trichuriasis, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, treatment plans, and patient management. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
What Does ICD-10 Code B79 for Trichuriasis Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code B79 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Trichuriasis. This code is essential for ensuring continuity of care, supporting accurate billing, and meeting EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B79 – Trichuriasis
Trichuriasis requires prompt treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Mebendazole: 100 mg orally twice daily for 3 days
- Albendazole: 400 mg orally once
- Ivermectin: 150 mcg/kg orally once (alternative)
Supportive Care:
- Hydration and electrolyte management
- Nutritional support for malnourished patients
- Monitoring for anemia and growth parameters
Infection Control:
- Educate on proper sanitation and hygiene practices
- Encourage regular handwashing
- Implement measures to prevent soil contamination
How to Document Symptoms of Trichuriasis (ICD-10 B79) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea.
- History of weight loss over the past month.
- Complaints of fatigue and weakness.
- Recent travel to endemic areas.
Objective:
- Abdominal tenderness on palpation.
- Presence of blood in stool samples.
- Low hemoglobin levels indicating anemia.
- Weight loss noted during physical examination.
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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Trichuriasis (ICD-10 Code B79)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Trichuriasis, moderate severity.
- ICD-10 Code: B79.
- Contributing factors: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
- Potential complications: Anemia and malnutrition.
Plan:
- Initiate treatment with Mebendazole or Albendazole.
- Provide dietary counseling and nutritional support.
- Schedule follow-up in 2 weeks to monitor symptoms.
- Educate on hygiene practices to prevent reinfection.
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B79 – Trichuriasis
- First-line pharmacologic treatment: Mebendazole or Albendazole.
- Non-pharmacologic strategies: Improve sanitation and hygiene.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-up for symptom resolution and weight gain.
- Education: Inform patients about prevention and treatment adherence.
Using ICD-10 Code B79 for Trichuriasis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical findings.
- Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O).
- Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines for justified billing.
- Include relevant CPT codes for laboratory tests and treatments.
Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Trichuriasis
ICD-10 Code B79 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Trichuriasis
ICD-10 Code B79 is crucial for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant symptoms and treatment plans to support claims.
- Use this code in conjunction with laboratory tests for comprehensive billing.
- Ensure accurate coding to avoid claim denials related to documentation errors.
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 87449 | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (e.g., PCR) for parasitic infections. |
| 99213 | Established patient office visit, level 3. |
| 36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code B79 for Trichuriasis
What are the common symptoms of Trichuriasis?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to anemia and malnutrition, particularly in children.
How is Trichuriasis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through stool examination to identify whipworm eggs. Clinical history and symptom assessment also play a crucial role in diagnosis.
What is the treatment for Trichuriasis?
Treatment usually involves antiparasitic medications such as Mebendazole or Albendazole. Supportive care for symptoms and nutritional support may also be necessary.
Is Trichuriasis contagious?
Trichuriasis is not contagious in the traditional sense; it is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil or food. Good hygiene and sanitation practices are essential for prevention.
