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BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code B50

Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Includes: mixed infections of Plasmodium falciparum with any other Plasmodium species

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-). Do not use B50 with codes for certain localized infections (see body system-related chapters), carrier status (Z22.-), infections complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (O98.-), or perinatal infections (P35-P39).

Medical necessity for malaria treatment is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, and laboratory confirmation of infection with Plasmodium falciparum.

Physicians are responsible for diagnosing and managing malaria caused by P. falciparum. This includes evaluating patient history, conducting physical examinations, ordering appropriate laboratory tests (blood tests, RDTs, PCR), interpreting test results, prescribing antimalarial medications, monitoring treatment response, and managing potential complications. Patient education on preventive measures is also crucial.

In simple words: Malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes. It can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and chills to more severe problems like organ damage or even death.Diagnosis involves blood tests and sometimes imaging scans. Treatment typically includes antimalarial drugs.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most dangerous form of malaria, is a protozoal infection caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted to human blood by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes.It is most common in Africa but also occurs in Asia, South America, and other tropical countries. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, loose stools), fever, chills, sweating, anemia, weakness, headache, enlarged spleen and liver, mild jaundice, kidney failure, abnormal bleeding, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, brain damage, confusion, seizures, and even death. Diagnosis is based on exposure history, symptoms, physical exam, blood tests, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), PCR tests, and imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound). Treatment includes antimalarial drugs (chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, quinine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine), bed nets, mosquito repellents, and covering the body outdoors.

Example 1: A traveler returning from Africa presents with fever, chills, and headache. Blood tests confirm Plasmodium falciparum malaria., A child in a malaria-endemic region develops severe anemia and jaundice, diagnosed as complicated malaria due to P. falciparum., A pregnant woman in Southeast Asia experiences fever and chills, diagnosed with pregnancy-associated malaria caused by P. falciparum, requiring specialized treatment.

Documentation should include travel history, symptom onset and duration, physical exam findings, laboratory results (including species identification), prescribed medications, treatment response, and any complications.Details of preventative measures discussed should also be noted.

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