Legionnaires' disease
ICD-10 A48.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of legionnaires' disease.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. It is primarily acquired through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the bacteria, often from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. The disease is characterized by symptoms including high fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. In immunocompromised patients, such as those with chronic lung disease, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of severe illness and complications increases significantly. Diagnostic challenges arise due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and the need for specialized laboratory tests, such as urine antigen tests or culture of respiratory secretions, to confirm the diagnosis. Early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are crucial for improving outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. Given its association with outbreaks, public health reporting is also an important aspect of managing Legionnaires' disease.
Detailed patient history, including exposure risks and immunocompromised status.
Patients presenting with pneumonia symptoms and a history of travel or exposure to potential sources.
Ensure laboratory results are included in documentation to support diagnosis.
Comprehensive pulmonary function tests and imaging studies.
Patients with chronic lung disease presenting with acute exacerbations.
Document any underlying lung conditions that may complicate the diagnosis.
Used when testing for Legionella in patients with pneumonia symptoms.
Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of exposure history.
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Severe cases may lead to respiratory failure.
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through urine antigen tests or culture of respiratory secretions, along with clinical evaluation.
