ICD-10 Coding for Bloody Diarrhea(A03.0, A04.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bloody Diarrhea. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bloody Diarrhea
A00-A09Primary Range
Intestinal infectious diseases
This range includes codes for infectious causes of bloody diarrhea such as Shigellosis and EHEC.
Diseases of the intestines
This range includes codes for non-infectious causes of bloody diarrhea like ischemic colitis.
Other diseases of the digestive system
This range includes codes for manifestations such as melena and rectal bleeding.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A03.0 | Shigellosis due to Shigella dysenteriae | Use when stool culture confirms Shigella dysenteriae. |
|
| A04.3 | Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection | Use when EHEC is confirmed by stool tests. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for bloody diarrhea
Essential facts and insights about Bloody Diarrhea
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bloody diarrhea
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of Shigella dysenteriae in stool culture.
Applicable To
- Shigella dysenteriae infection
Excludes
- Other specified bacterial intestinal infections
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Stool culture positive for Shigella dysenteriae
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation specifies the organism to avoid miscoding.
Coding Notes
- Link manifestations to the infectious agent using 'with' in documentation.
A04.3 - Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection
Use when EHEC is confirmed by stool tests.
Applicable To
- EHEC infection
Excludes
- Other specified bacterial intestinal infections
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Stool PCR or culture confirming EHEC
Coding Notes
Ensure EHEC is confirmed through lab tests before coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bloody Diarrhea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A03.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always confirm and document stool culture results., Educate providers on the importance of specific documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use A04.3 alone as it specifies the infectious etiology.
Impact
Risk of audits due to incorrect coding of infectious diarrhea without specific organism documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all lab results are documented and linked to the diagnosis.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bloody Diarrhea, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bloody Diarrhea
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bloody Diarrhea. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Bloody Diarrhea
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Physical exam findings
- Lab results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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