2025 ICD-10-CM code A37.9
Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis, unspecified species.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the diagnosis of whooping cough, confirmed through clinical findings and laboratory testing. The severity of symptoms and the patient's age (infants being particularly vulnerable) also contribute to medical necessity.
Clinicians should diagnose pertussis based on symptoms, history, and physical examination. Laboratory tests such as nasopharyngeal cultures and PCR are used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases, especially in infants. Supportive care includes oxygen therapy and monitoring of breathing.
In simple words: This code indicates whooping cough (pertussis) where the specific type of bacteria isn't identified. Whooping cough is a very contagious infection that causes severe coughing spells, sometimes with a "whooping" sound when taking a breath.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.This code specifies that the species of Bordetella causing the infection is unspecified.The disease is characterized by paroxysmal coughing fits, often followed by a "whooping" sound upon inhalation. It can affect individuals of any age, but infants and young children are particularly vulnerable.
Example 1: A 3-month-old infant presents with paroxysmal coughing fits followed by vomiting and a "whooping" sound.A nasopharyngeal swab is positive for Bordetella pertussis, but the specific species is not identified., A 15-year-old adolescent presents with a persistent cough for several weeks.The cough is worse at night and is sometimes followed by vomiting.Testing confirms pertussis, but further specification of the bacterial species is not performed., A 30-year-old adult presents with a cough that has lasted for two months. They experience coughing fits, but no "whooping" sound is present. A pertussis diagnosis is confirmed, and the species is not further defined.
Documentation should include details of the patient's symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose, vomiting, "whooping" sound), duration of illness, and results of laboratory tests (nasopharyngeal culture, PCR).Any complications (e.g., apnea, pneumonia, seizures) should also be documented.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home