The article gives an overview of sarcoidosis – an inflammatory disease, wherein granulomas or clumps of inflammatory cells tend to form in various parts of the body.
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease wherein granulomas or clumps of inflammatory cells tend to form in various parts of the body. Even though the inflammatory cells can occur in any part of the body, it most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. It also affects the eyes, skin, heart and other organs. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. The condition results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance. In certain cases, people appear to have a genetic predisposition to develop the disease, which may be triggered by bacteria, viruses, dust or chemicals.There is no cure for sarcoidosis.Sarcoidosis may go away on its own. However, if left untreated, it may last for years and cause serious organ damage. Billing and coding for this inflammatory condition can be complex. Coding staff in healthcare facilities and medical practices providing treatment for sarcoidosis must have adequate knowledge about the related codes. For accurate clinical documentation of this inflammatory condition on the medical claims, physicians can rely on the services of medical billing companies.
Reports suggest that sarcoidosis is more common in women than in men. People with a family history of sarcoidosis have a significantly higher risk of getting the disease. The signs and symptoms usually appear in people between the ages of 20 and 40.Typically, the condition develops gradually. Some people with this condition don’t experience any symptoms. Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Some of the common symptoms include –
- Wheezing
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin lesions and rashes
- Shortness of breath
- Pain and swelling in joints, such as the ankles
- Nosebleeds
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal swelling
Diagnosis, Treatment and ICD-10 Codes
As sarcoidosis often produces few signs and symptoms in its early stages, the disease is quite difficult to diagnose.However, when symptoms do occur, they may mimic those of other disorders.Diagnosis of this condition may begin with a physical exam and detailed evaluation of the symptoms. Physicians will also check the heart and lungs, check the lymph nodes for swelling, and examine skin lesions. In addition, several diagnostic tests such as blood and urine tests, chest X-rays,Computerized tomography (CT) scan, ECG or EKG, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, eye exam and lung (pulmonary) function testsmay be performed. In severe cases, physicians may perform a biopsy to look for the granulomas commonly seen with the condition.There is no specific cure for sarcoidosis, but in many cases, it may go away on its own. The severity and extent of your condition will determine whether any treatment required and if so,what type of treatment is needed. Treatment involves a combination of medications,physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce fatigue andimprove muscle strength. In severe cases, if sarcoidosis has severely damaged the lungs, heart or liver, an organ transplant may be considered.
ICD- 10 Codes for Sarcoidosis
- D86 Sarcoidosis
- D86.0 Sarcoidosis of lung
- D86.1 Sarcoidosis of lymph nodes
- D86.2 Sarcoidosis of lung with sarcoidosis of lymph nodes
- D86.3 Sarcoidosis of skin
- D86.8 Sarcoidosis of other sites
- D86.81 Sarcoid meningitis
- D86.82 Multiple cranial nerve palsies in sarcoidosis
- D86.83 Sarcoid iridocyclitis
- D86.84 Sarcoid pyelonephritis
- D86.85 Sarcoid myocarditis
- D86.86 Sarcoid arthropathy
- D86.87 Sarcoid myositis
- D86.89 Sarcoidosis of other sites
- D86.9 Sarcoidosis, unspecified
Sarcoidosis can become a long-term condition, if left untreated. People with asymptomatic sarcoidosis do not usually require treatment. In fact, many people may remain stable for years without advancing symptoms. The general outlook for people with sarcoidosis is good as most people live relatively healthy, active lives.Symptoms often improve with or without treatment in about two years.
Physician offeringtreatment for sarcoidosis need to document various diagnosis tests and other procedures using the right medical codes. Professional medical coding services can support these specialists in their medical coding, and ensure submission of accurate claims on time.
