Find information on bee sting allergy (ICD-10 T78.40XA, T78.49XA), including diagnosis, treatment, and management of bee allergy and hymenoptera venom allergy reactions. Learn about clinical documentation best practices for bee sting allergy, coding for allergic reactions to bee stings, and healthcare guidelines for patients with bee venom allergies. Explore symptoms, anaphylaxis risk, and immunotherapy options for bee sting allergy.
Also known as
Allergy, unspecified, initial encounter
Adverse reaction to bee venom, first encounter.
Allergy, unspecified, subsequent encounter
Adverse reaction to bee venom, follow-up encounter.
Toxic effect, venomous arthropods
Poisoning by bee, wasp, or hornet venom.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Any systemic reaction to bee sting?
Yes
Anaphylactic shock?
No
Only localized reaction?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Allergic reaction to bee stings. |
| Allergic reaction to wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket stings. |
| Allergy to insect stings, not otherwise specified. |
Coding bee sting allergy requires specific documentation of bee venom, not just general insect allergy. ICD-10 coding guidelines are crucial for proper diagnosis coding (e.g., T78.40XA vs. T78.409A).
Clinical validation of bee sting allergy is necessary. Symptoms alone are insufficient for ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding. Risk of inaccurate coding and healthcare fraud if unsubstantiated.
Properly code the specific manifestation (anaphylaxis, urticaria, etc.) associated with the bee sting allergy. Incorrect sequencing can impact reimbursement and quality reporting. Review official coding guidelines for correct coding.
Q: How can I differentiate between a local bee sting reaction and a systemic allergic reaction requiring epinephrine in a pediatric patient?
A: Differentiating between a local and systemic bee sting reaction is crucial for appropriate management, especially in children. A local reaction typically presents with pain, swelling, redness, and itching confined to the sting site. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are usually self-limiting and can be managed with local wound care, ice, and oral antihistamines. A systemic allergic reaction, however, involves multiple organ systems and necessitates prompt intervention with epinephrine. Symptoms may include hives, widespread itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema), difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, abdominal cramping, vomiting, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Any signs of a systemic reaction warrant immediate epinephrine administration and transfer to the emergency department. Consider implementing a standardized protocol for bee sting reaction assessment in your pediatric practice to ensure consistent and appropriate management. Explore how S10.AI can assist in developing and implementing such protocols.
Q: What are the best practices for prescribing and administering epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) for patients with confirmed bee sting allergy, considering different age groups and weight ranges?
A: Prescribing and administering EAIs requires careful consideration of the patient's age and weight. For children weighing 15-30 kg, a 0.15 mg dose is typically recommended, while those weighing over 30 kg should receive a 0.3 mg dose. Two EAIs should always be prescribed, and patients and caregivers must be educated on proper administration technique, including intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh. Practical demonstrations and regular reviews are essential. Additionally, patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention after using an EAI, even if symptoms subside, for observation and potential further treatment. Learn more about S10.AI's resources for patient education materials and EAI training guides.
Patient presents with suspected bee sting allergy, also known as Hymenoptera venom allergy, following a recent bee sting incident. Symptoms reported include localized swelling, redness, and itching at the sting site, progressing to urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea. Patient denies prior diagnosed bee allergy but reports a family history of allergic reactions. Physical examination reveals localized erythema and edema consistent with a type I hypersensitivity reaction. Differential diagnoses considered include other insect bite reactions, cellulitis, and drug reactions. Given the systemic symptoms and patient presentation, bee sting allergy is the most likely diagnosis. Diagnostic testing may include skin prick testing or serum-specific IgE testing to confirm bee venom allergy. Initial treatment consisted of intramuscular epinephrine injection and administration of oral diphenhydramine. Patient responded favorably to treatment with resolution of respiratory symptoms and decreased angioedema. Patient education provided on bee sting avoidance, epinephrine auto-injector use, and the importance of follow-up with an allergist for venom immunotherapy evaluation. ICD-10 code T78.01XA, adverse effect of venom of bees, initial encounter, is documented. This diagnosis warrants further evaluation and management to mitigate future anaphylactic reactions. Patient is advised to obtain and carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times.