Unspecified malaria
ICD-10 B54 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified malaria.
Unspecified malaria refers to a diagnosis of malaria where the specific species of the Plasmodium parasite causing the infection is not identified. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. The most common species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. However, in cases where laboratory tests do not specify the species, the diagnosis falls under the unspecified category. This can occur due to limitations in testing methods or when patients present with atypical symptoms. Antimalarial resistance is a growing concern, particularly with P. falciparum, which has shown resistance to commonly used medications. Prophylaxis is crucial for travelers to endemic areas and includes medications such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Understanding the nuances of malaria diagnosis and treatment is essential for effective management and coding.
Detailed travel history, symptomatology, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with fever and travel history to endemic areas.
Consideration of antimalarial resistance patterns in treatment.
Thorough patient history and symptom documentation.
Patients with flu-like symptoms returning from endemic regions.
Importance of timely referral to specialists for severe cases.
Used for initial diagnosis of malaria in patients with symptoms.
Document the reason for the test and the results.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional lab results.
Use code B54 when a patient is diagnosed with malaria but the specific species is not identified in the documentation. Ensure that there is sufficient clinical evidence to support the diagnosis.
