Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection(T83.511A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CAUTICatheter-related UTIcatheterassociated uti

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

T83.5Primary Range

Complications of urinary devices

This range includes codes for infections and complications related to urinary devices, including catheters.

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

Used when the UTI is not specified as catheter-associated.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for CAUTI

Essential facts and insights about Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

The ICD-10 code for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) is T83.511A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cauti

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to indwelling urethral catheter, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Explicitly state 'due to indwelling catheter' in the documentation.

Applicable To

  • CAUTI

Excludes

  • N39.0 (UTI, site not specified)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented causal relationship between UTI and catheter
  • Positive urine culture ≥10⁵ CFU/mL
  • Symptoms such as fever, suprapubic tenderness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Assuming causation without explicit documentation
  • Incorrect sequencing with sepsis codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure explicit documentation linking the UTI to the catheter.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use to specify the organism causing the infection.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Urinary tract infection, site not specified

N39.0
Use when the UTI is not linked to catheter use.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T83.511A.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of infection source., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly links UTI to catheter., Review coding guidelines for CAUTI.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment if CAUTI is not coded correctly., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on infection rates and causes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states the UTI is due to the catheter.

Impact

Risk of audit if CAUTI is not explicitly documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates that require explicit causal language.

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 Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hospital-acquired CAUTI

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Catheter insertion details
  • Symptom onset
  • Urine culture results
  • Explicit causal language

Example Documentation

Patient developed a UTI due to an indwelling Foley catheter, confirmed by urine culture showing ≥10⁵ CFU/mL E. coli.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI with Foley present
Good Documentation Example
UTI due to indwelling Foley catheter, confirmed by culture
Explanation
The good example explicitly links the UTI to the catheter and provides culture confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more