ICD-10 Coding for Food Poisoning(A05.9, T62.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Food Poisoning. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Food Poisoning
A05Primary Range
Other bacterial foodborne intoxications, not elsewhere classified
This range includes bacterial foodborne intoxications, which are primary for food poisoning when bacterial etiology is confirmed.
Toxic effect of other noxious substances eaten as food
This range is used for toxic effects from food when bacterial etiology is not confirmed.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A05.9 | Bacterial foodborne intoxication, unspecified | Use when gastroenteritis is documented with food poisoning and bacterial etiology is suspected or confirmed. |
|
| T62.9 | Toxic effect of unspecified substance eaten as food | Use when food poisoning is documented without bacterial confirmation. |
|
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 food poisoning
Essential facts and insights about Food Poisoning
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for food poison
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented gastroenteritis with suspected bacterial cause
coding Criteria
- Avoid using K52.9 with A05.9 as it is included
Applicable To
- Gastroenteritis due to food poisoning
Excludes
- Toxic effects (T62.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Provider documentation of gastroenteritis due to food poisoning
- Stool culture confirming bacterial presence
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if bacterial etiology is not confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure bacterial etiology is documented to avoid misclassification.
T62.9 - Toxic effect of unspecified substance eaten as food
Use when food poisoning is documented without bacterial confirmation.
Applicable To
- Toxic food poisoning
Excludes
- Bacterial foodborne intoxications (A05.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Provider documentation of food poisoning without bacterial confirmation
- Symptoms consistent with toxic ingestion
Coding Notes
Ensure toxic etiology is documented to avoid misclassification.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Nausea and vomiting
R11.2Differential 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 Food Poisoning to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A05.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate information for treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on documentation specificity, Implement documentation templates
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data reporting and analysis.
Mitigation Strategy
Omit K52.9 as A05.9 includes gastroenteritis manifestation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Risk of audit findings for incorrect coding., Data Quality: Misleading data on food poisoning cases.
Mitigation Strategy
Query for clarification on bacterial vs toxic etiology.
Impact
Lack of specific etiology documentation can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure provider documentation includes specific bacterial or toxic cause.
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 Food Poisoning, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Food Poisoning
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Food Poisoning. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Food Poisoning
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Exposure details
- Diagnostic tests
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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