ICD-10 Coding for Escherichia coli(A41.51, B96.20)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Escherichia coli. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Escherichia coli
A41.5-A41.51Primary Range
Sepsis due to Escherichia coli
Primary range for sepsis caused by E. coli, including specific strains.
Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Used as an ancillary code to specify E. coli as the causative organism.
Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Primary code for UTIs, with B96.2x as an ancillary code for E. coli.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A41.51 | Sepsis due to Escherichia coli | Use when sepsis is confirmed to be caused by E. coli. |
|
| B96.20 | Unspecified Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere | Use when E. coli is identified but specific strain is not documented. |
|
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 sepsis due to E. coli
Essential facts and insights about Escherichia coli
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for escherichia coli
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Positive blood culture for E. coli
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of sepsis due to E. coli
Applicable To
- Septicemia due to E. coli
Excludes
- Sepsis due to other specified organisms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood culture for E. coli
- Presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect sequencing with other codes
- Missing documentation of bacteremia
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies E. coli as the causative organism.
B96.20 - Unspecified Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Use when E. coli is identified but specific strain is not documented.
Applicable To
- E. coli infection NOS
Excludes
- Specific strains of E. coli
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Laboratory confirmation of E. coli
Coding Notes
Ensure laboratory results are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B96.2xDocumentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Escherichia coli to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A41.51.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment choices., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented., Use specific codes when strain is identified.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure laboratory results specify the strain and use the appropriate code.
Impact
Risk of incorrect sequencing and organism specification.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular training on coding guidelines and review of documentation practices.
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 Escherichia coli, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Escherichia coli
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Escherichia coli. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Sepsis due to E. coli
Specialty: Infectious DiseaseRequired Elements
- Positive blood culture for E. coli
- Symptoms of sepsis
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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