2025 ICD-10-CM code A77.4
Ehrlichiosis.
Medical necessity for ehrlichiosis treatment is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with the infection, especially following a known or suspected tick bite in an endemic area.Laboratory testing confirming the diagnosis further supports medical necessity.In severe cases, documentation of complications or risk factors for complications strengthens the justification for treatment and potential hospitalization.
Physicians, particularly those specializing in infectious diseases, internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine, are responsible for diagnosing and managing ehrlichiosis.This involves taking a patient history, performing a physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests (like blood tests), prescribing and monitoring antibiotic therapy (typically doxycycline), and managing potential complications.
In simple words: Ehrlichiosis is an infection you can get from the bite of an infected tick. It causes symptoms like fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Some people also get a rash. If not treated, it can cause serious health problems. Doctors treat ehrlichiosis with antibiotics.
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the Ehrlichia genus.The most common species causing ehrlichiosis in the U.S. is Ehrlichia chaffeensis, primarily transmitted by the lone star tick. Other species like E. ewingii and E. muris eauclairensis also cause the disease. Symptoms typically appear within 5-14 days after a tick bite and resemble the flu, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.Some individuals, especially children, may develop a rash. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, respiratory distress, heart failure, neurological issues, and even coma. Diagnosis involves blood tests to identify the bacteria or detect antibodies.Treatment typically consists of the antibiotic doxycycline.
Example 1: A 45-year-old hiker presents with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue one week after returning from a hiking trip in the southeastern United States.Blood tests confirm ehrlichiosis., A child develops a fever and rash after playing in a wooded area known to have ticks.The pediatrician suspects ehrlichiosis and initiates doxycycline treatment., An elderly patient with a weakened immune system develops severe respiratory distress and altered mental status following a presumed tick bite.Ehrlichiosis is diagnosed, and the patient requires hospitalization and intensive care.
Documentation for ehrlichiosis should include details about symptom onset and duration, potential tick exposure (including date and location if known), relevant medical history (especially immune status), physical exam findings (including presence or absence of rash), laboratory results (such as blood counts and Ehrlichia tests), prescribed medications, and treatment response.If complications arise, detailed documentation of those should also be included.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics
- 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