ICD 10 CM A67.9 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 A67.9 defines a medical condition known as Pinta, which is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema carateum and commonly affects the exposed skin of young adults living in poor hygiene areas, with transmission occurring through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or from infected mothers to their infants, and the provider does not provide any information regarding the type or stage of the disease.
Official Description Of A67.9
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code A67.9 as:
When To Use A67.9
The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM A67.9 pertains to a condition called pinta, which is a bacterial infection caused by the organism Treponema carateum. This infection is prevalent in Central and South America, particularly in rural and poor communities with limited access to clean water and basic hygiene.
Pinta manifests as red, flat or elevated plaquelike lesions on exposed skin of the extremities, accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. As the infection progresses, the lesions undergo changes in color, becoming gray or blue-gray, and form hyperkeratosis with skin atrophy and scarring. The condition is typically painless and does not cause fever or other systemic symptoms.
To diagnose pinta, providers rely on the patient’s symptoms, exposure history, physical examination, and environmental conditions. In particular, darkfield microscopic testing of the patient’s early skin lesion sample can detect the organism, allowing for prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for pinta involves antibiotics, with penicillin being the drug of choice for most cases. Penicillin is usually effective in treating the infection within 24 hours, and patients may experience significant improvement in their symptoms shortly after starting the medication. In some cases, other antibiotics may be used, such as tetracycline or erythromycin, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s medical history. Patients may require ongoing monitoring to ensure that the infection has been fully treated, especially if they have a weakened immune system or other underlying medical conditions.
Prevention of pinta involves educating people who plan to travel to countries with known poor sanitation to avoid contact with infected people and maintain good hygiene practices. Simple measures such as washing hands frequently, using clean water for bathing and drinking, and avoiding sharing personal items can go a long way in preventing the transmission of pinta and other infectious diseases.
In conclusion, the diagnosis code ICD 10 CM A67.9 refers to pinta, a bacterial infection that primarily affects individuals in Central and South America who reside in rural and low-income communities. Providers diagnose the condition based on the patient’s clinical presentation and laboratory tests, with penicillin being the preferred treatment option. Prevention of pinta involves education on good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Understanding the diagnosis code and associated condition can help healthcare providers provide accurate and effective care to patients with pinta.
