2025 ICD-10-CM code B57.3
Chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, and diagnostic findings consistent with chronic Chagas disease affecting the digestive system. The documentation should clearly link the digestive issues to the underlying Chagas infection.
The provider diagnoses the condition based on history of exposure, physical examination, and symptoms. Laboratory tests include microscopic examination of blood, serologic tests for antibody detection, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Endoscopy may be performed to assess GI involvement along with appropriate imaging studies. Treatment consists of symptomatic relief; in patients with gastrointestinal manifestations, antiparasitic medications are usually not prescribed.
In simple words: Chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement is a long-term effect of the Chagas infection on the digestive system. Chagas disease is caused by a parasite and can cause problems like an enlarged esophagus or colon, along with other digestive issues.It's diagnosed through blood tests, and treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement refers to a long-lasting or slow-to-develop gastrointestinal manifestation of an infectious disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.This is typically transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking insects (kissing bugs), direct entry through the mucosa or cuts in the skin, during blood transfusions or organ transplants, or by an infected mother to her newborn.
Example 1: A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.They emigrated from South America 20 years prior.Serologic testing confirms Chagas disease, and endoscopy reveals megaesophagus and megacolon. The patient is diagnosed with chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement (B57.3)., A pregnant woman with a known history of Chagas disease undergoes regular check-ups to monitor for disease progression. Ultrasound reveals dilation of her colon. Although she currently experiences only mild constipation, she receives a diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement (B57.3) and is counseled on potential complications during childbirth., A patient with chronic Chagas disease develops progressive dysphagia and weight loss.Barium swallow reveals significant esophageal dilation.Although they also have mild cardiac involvement, the primary manifestation is digestive, leading to a diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease with digestive system involvement (B57.3).
Documentation should include evidence of Chagas disease (positive serology), specific digestive system findings (e.g., megaesophagus, megacolon, altered bowel habits, etc.), and relevant diagnostic tests (e.g., endoscopy, barium studies, etc.).
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Cardiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office