ICD 10 CM B45.7 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 B45.7 describes a condition known as disseminated cryptococcosis, which is a relatively uncommon fungal infection that is typically caused by the inhalation of air contaminated by the fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii, both of which are commonly found in soil, and is characterized by a widespread or generalized infection that primarily affects individuals with a weakened immune system.
Official Description Of B45.7
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code B45.7 as:
When To Use B45.7
The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM B45.7 is disseminated cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection that commonly affects multiple areas of the body simultaneously. The symptoms of this condition can vary depending on the sites of infection and the patient’s immune status. Patients with disseminated cryptococcosis may experience cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, blurred vision, bone pain, skin rash, excessive night sweats, fatigue, skin lesions and ulcers, lymph node swelling, and weight loss. In severe cases, the disease can even lead to death.
Providers usually diagnose disseminated cryptococcosis based on the patient’s history, physical examination, symptoms, and signs. Laboratory tests can also detect the organism. Patients’ blood, sputum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are usually tested to identify the pathogen causing the disease. Furthermore, a specific laboratory test called the cryptococcal antigen test can detect a molecule that is shed from the fungus into the patient’s blood.
To determine the extent of the fungal infection, the provider may perform lung and skin biopsies, bronchoscopy, chest X-ray, CT scan of the head, and bone scans. These tests are important for evaluating the severity of the disease and aiding the provider in developing an effective treatment plan.
The treatment of disseminated cryptococcosis usually involves the use of antifungal medications, which are administered for six months or longer. Among the most commonly used antifungals are amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole. The specific treatment regimen is determined based on the severity of the disease and the patient’s immune status. Sometimes, combination therapy may be used to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Disseminated cryptococcosis can be detected in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The diagnosis is more serious in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy. These patients are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the disease, including meningitis, inflammation of the brain’s lining, and endocarditis, inflammation of the heart’s lining.
In conclusion, disseminated cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection that can have serious health consequences. Based on the ICD 10 CM B45.7 code, medical coders and providers can quickly identify disseminated cryptococcosis during medical billing and coding, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Knowledge of the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment protocols can assist medical coding professionals in more accurately representing and quantifying the extent and severity of the disease.
