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A49.3
ICD-10-CM
Ureaplasma Infection

Learn about Ureaplasma infection diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes like N76.0, A59.8), laboratory testing, and treatment. Find information on Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum infections, symptoms, and healthcare guidelines for accurate diagnosis and patient care. This resource covers essential information for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders.

Also known as

Ureaplasma urealyticum infection
Ureaplasma parvum infection

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Genital infection caused by Ureaplasma bacteria, often asymptomatic.
  • Clinical Signs : May cause urethritis, cervicitis, PID, pregnancy complications.
  • Common Settings : Sexual health clinics, OBGYN offices, fertility clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC A49.3 Coding
A59.8

Other urogenital infections

This code encompasses various urogenital infections not classified elsewhere.

N76.0

Urethritis, unspecified

Inflammation of the urethra without specifying the cause.

N76.8

Other specified urethritis

Urethritis caused by an organism other than gonococcus or chlamydia.

B96.89

Other bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

This code can be used as a secondary code to specify Ureaplasma as the cause.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the Ureaplasma infection urogenital?

  • Yes

    Is it urethritis?

  • No

    Is it a respiratory infection?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ureaplasma Infection
Mycoplasma genitalium
Chlamydia trachomatis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ureaplasma infection diagnosis code
  • Document patient signs/symptoms (dysuria, discharge)
  • Lab test results confirming Ureaplasma (PCR)
  • Specify Ureaplasma species (Urealyticum/parvum)
  • Treatment plan documented (antibiotics prescribed)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site Coding

    Coding Ureaplasma infection without specifying the affected site (e.g., urethra, cervix) leads to inaccurate data and potential claim denials. Use specific ICD-10 codes like A59.0 for urogenital infections.

  • Clinical Validation Deficit

    Lack of proper clinical documentation to support the diagnosis of Ureaplasma infection poses audit risks. Ensure documentation clearly links symptoms, lab results, and diagnosis for accurate coding.

  • Comorbidity Overcoding

    Incorrectly coding comorbidities alongside Ureaplasma infection without documented clinical evidence can lead to inflated reimbursement and compliance violations. Validate associated conditions.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document Ureaplasma species: urealyticum/parvum for accurate ICD-10 coding (A59.8).
  • CDI: Query for symptoms, site of infection (e.g., urine, genital) to support A59.8.
  • Compliance: Adhere to testing guidelines for Ureaplasma. Ensure proper specimen collection.
  • Coding: Differentiate colonization from infection. Infection requires symptoms, positive culture.
  • CDI: Review antibiotic usage. Link to infection for appropriate Present on Admission (POA) indicator.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review documented symptoms: dysuria, discharge, infertility
  • Check NAAT test results for Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum
  • Confirm positive test with clinical correlation (e.g., symptoms)
  • Exclude other STIs/causes of symptoms before treatment
  • Document species and antibiotic sensitivities for treatment

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ureaplasma Infection reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (A59.8, N76.0) impacting clean claims and timely payments.
  • Quality metrics like infection rates, antibiotic stewardship, and patient outcomes are affected by proper Ureaplasma diagnosis reporting.
  • Hospital reporting accuracy for Ureaplasma influences public health data, resource allocation, and infection control strategies.
  • Missed or incorrect Ureaplasma codes (A59.8, A69.8, N76.0) lead to claim denials, reduced revenue, and skewed quality metrics.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most reliable diagnostic tests for differentiating Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum in symptomatic patients, and what are the implications for targeted antibiotic therapy?

A: Differentiating *Ureaplasma urealyticum* and *Ureaplasma parvum* is crucial for targeted antibiotic therapy due to varying antibiotic sensitivities. While traditional culture methods can distinguish species, molecular methods like PCR are becoming increasingly preferred due to their higher sensitivity and specificity. PCR assays can identify specific genetic markers unique to each species, enabling accurate diagnosis even in low bacterial loads. This information then informs antibiotic selection, as *U. urealyticum* tends to show greater resistance to tetracyclines compared to *U. parvum*. Accurate species identification helps avoid treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Explore how PCR testing can enhance your Ureaplasma diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes. Consider implementing molecular diagnostics in your practice for more precise Ureaplasma species identification.

Q: How can I effectively manage recurrent Ureaplasma infections in women, considering factors like biofilm formation and the impact on reproductive health?

A: Recurrent Ureaplasma infections in women present a clinical challenge, often linked to biofilm formation and potential adverse effects on reproductive health, including pregnancy complications. Biofilms protect Ureaplasma from antibiotics and the host immune response, contributing to treatment failure and recurrence. Management strategies include longer antibiotic courses, combination therapy (e.g., doxycycline with azithromycin or moxifloxacin), and adjunctive therapies targeting biofilms, such as D-amino acids. Additionally, evaluating and addressing underlying factors that predispose to recurrence, such as sexual health practices and hygiene, is critical. Learn more about biofilm-disrupting strategies and the latest recommendations for managing recurrent Ureaplasma infections to enhance your patient care. Consider implementing a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the infection and the contributing factors to effectively manage recurrence and minimize the impact on reproductive health.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Ureaplasma species
  • Document PCR results
  • Consider site specificity
  • Add antibiotic susceptibility
  • Check ICD-10-CM A59.8

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a Ureaplasma infection.  Presenting complaints may include urethritis, dysuria, urinary frequency, or pelvic pain in women.  In men, symptoms can manifest as urethral discharge or discomfort.  Asymptomatic Ureaplasma colonization is also possible and should be considered, especially in the context of pregnancy complications or infertility.  Differential diagnoses include Chlamydia trachomatis infection, Mycoplasma genitalium infection, bacterial vaginosis, and other sexually transmitted infections.  Diagnostic testing performed includes a  nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from a urine sample or a urethral swab for men, and a vaginal or endocervical swab for women.  Positive Ureaplasma urealyticum or Ureaplasma parvum NAAT confirms the diagnosis.  Microscopy and culture are not routinely recommended due to lower sensitivity and specificity compared to NAAT.  Treatment is indicated for symptomatic patients and those at risk of complications, such as pregnant women.  Recommended treatment regimens include doxycycline, azithromycin, or erythromycin, with consideration for antibiotic susceptibility testing in cases of treatment failure.  Patient education regarding safe sex practices, partner notification, and the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics was provided.  Follow-up testing may be considered in certain cases, particularly for pregnant women or those with recurrent symptoms.  This diagnosis is coded as A59.8, Other sexually transmitted diseases, not elsewhere classified, in the ICD-10-CM system.  Medical billing will reflect the appropriate evaluation and management codes based on the complexity of the visit, as well as the specific laboratory tests performed.
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