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ICD-10 Coding for Enterobacter Infection(B96.21, A41.5, Z22.35)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Enterobacter Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Enterobacterales InfectionEnterobacter Sepsis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Enterobacter Infection

B95-B97Primary Range

Bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

This range includes codes for bacterial infections, including Enterobacter as a causative agent.

Sepsis

This range includes codes for sepsis, which can be caused by Enterobacter.

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs

This range includes codes for documenting antibiotic resistance, relevant for Enterobacter infections.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B96.21Enterobacter as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse when Enterobacter is confirmed as the causative agent of an infection.
  • Positive culture identifying Enterobacter species
  • Clinical correlation with infection symptoms
A41.5Sepsis due to other Gram-negative organismsUse when sepsis is confirmed to be caused by Enterobacter.
  • Blood culture positive for Enterobacter
  • Clinical signs of sepsis
Z22.35Carrier of EnterobacteralesUse for asymptomatic carriers of Enterobacter.
  • Positive culture without symptoms

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 Enterobacter infection

Essential facts and insights about Enterobacter Infection

The ICD-10 code for Enterobacter as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere is B96.21.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for enterobacter

Enterobacter as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Enterobacter species identified in culture

documentation Criteria

  • Link between Enterobacter and infection symptoms

Applicable To

  • Enterobacter cloacae
  • Enterobacter aerogenes

Excludes

  • Carrier state without active infection (Z22.35)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive culture identifying Enterobacter species
  • Clinical correlation with infection symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the organism without culture confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure organism identification is documented in the medical record.

Ancillary Codes

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

Resistance to carbapenems

Z16.23
Use when Enterobacter is resistant to carbapenems.

Severe sepsis with septic shock

R65.21
Use when septic shock is present.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.29
Use B96.29 when Enterobacter is not specifically identified.

Sepsis due to other Gram-negative organisms

A41.4
Use A41.4 for sepsis due to other specified Gram-negative organisms.

Enterobacter as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.21
Use B96.21 for active infections.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Enterobacter Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B96.21.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical data, Regulatory: May trigger audits, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify organism, Use culture results for coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement for active treatment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Use B96.21 when symptoms are present.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for complex cases, Compliance: Failure to meet reporting requirements, Data Quality: Incomplete resistance data

Mitigation Strategy

Add Z16.23 when carbapenem resistance is confirmed.

Impact

Failure to document and code resistance accurately.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks for resistance documentation in coding workflows.

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 Enterobacter Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Enterobacter Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Enterobacter Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia due to Enterobacter

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Culture results
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Sepsis criteria

Example Documentation

Assessment: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (J15.6) due to Enterobacter cloacae (B96.21) - Confirmed by BAL culture: 10^5 CFU/mL - Resistance: Imipenem MIC >8 μg/mL (Z16.23) - Septic shock (R65.21) - Plan: Meropenem 2g IV q8h

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
UTI with resistant bug
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent UTI due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (B96.21, Z16.23), confirmed by urine PCR
Explanation
The good example specifies the organism and resistance, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Enterobacter Infection? Ask your questions below.

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