What does U07.2 mean in MEDICAL
U07.2 is a medical term denoting deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. This term is used in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) to categorize mortality cases due to COVID-19 but with laboratory tests that are unable to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 for reasons such as old age, severe immunosuppression, underlying medical comorbidities, and more. At times, even when the diagnosis is confirmed clinically or epidemiologically without a laboratory test establishing a definite cause of death attributed to COVID-19, U07.2 can be used to certify the death.
U07.2 meaning in Medical in Medical
U07.2 mostly used in an acronym Medical in Category Medical that means Deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
Shorthand: U07.2,
Full Form: Deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
For more information of "Deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection", see the section below.
Explanation
U07.2 is a code added under Chapter 19 of ICD 10 codes for 2020 amendments that provides clarification on deaths resulting potentially from SARS-CoV-2 infection although laboratory tests unable to detect its presence due to various factors including old age, severe immunosuppression and underlying coexisting illnesses. Clinical observations such as fever, respiratory distress leading to pneumonia often form part of epidemiological diagnosis for certifying a death due to COVID-19 provided it meets certain criteria laid down by public health authorities and governing medical bodies such as World Health Organisation (WHO). Thus when tests are inconclusive due to certain reasons yet clinicians felt sure about cause of death being related exclusively or primarily due to any kind of SARS CoV 2 infection related illness like respirator intoxication leading to multiple organ failure etc., this code can be utilized for confirming diagnosis at time of certification by doctor attending patient at time of demise.
Essential Questions and Answers on Deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in "MEDICAL»MEDICAL"
What is clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19?
Clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 is when a doctor confirms that someone has the disease based on symptoms, medical history and contact with an infected person, even if the patient has not taken a test to confirm.
How do deaths from clinically or epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19 without lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection occur?
They are caused by doctors officially confirming that the cause of death was COVID-19 even though test results were pending. This could occur if the patient passed away quickly after being suspected of having the virus and before they had a chance to get tested.
Is there proof that a person died from COVID-19 without testing positive?
Yes, in some cases medical experts make the determination based on evidence such as symptoms, contact with people confirmed to have it, placement in certain settings such as ICU units for individuals suspected of having it.
Is it possible for someone to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 but have no symptoms while still being able to spread it?
Yes, this is referred to as an “asymptomatic carrier” who can spread the virus without showing symptoms themselves. This is why it's important to wear face masks and practice social distancing even if you don't feel sick.
Do all people who die from COVID-19 get tested for SARS CoV2?
No, some patients pass away quickly before they had a chance to get tested. In those cases doctors may rely on other clues such as their medical history or contact with an infected person to determine their cause of death.
When should I seek medical care if I think I may have coronavirus (COVID-19)?
If you experience any symptom associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) - fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath etc., you should reach out immediately to your healthcare provider for advice regarding treatment and testing options.
Final Words:
In short U07.2 denotes diagnoses made based on clinical signs & symptoms coupled with epidemiological findings in cases where lab tests are inconclusive or unavailable for one reason or another leading ultimately towards certification of Covid 19 related deaths regardless whether laboratory results present definite evidence or not. By doing so officials and governing bodies can track mortality rates properly especially during pandemic situation where adequate data makes all difference between getting right or wrong picture about affecting population at large at any given time point.