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ICD-10 Coding for Group B Streptococcus(A40.1, B95.1, Z22.330)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Group B Streptococcus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GBSStreptococcus agalactiaestrep b

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Group B Streptococcus

A40-A41Primary Range

Sepsis due to streptococcus and other specified organisms

Includes sepsis caused by Group B Streptococcus, which is a common cause of neonatal sepsis and infections in pregnant women.

Streptococcus and staphylococcus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

Used as an additional code to identify the infectious agent in diseases classified elsewhere.

Carrier of infectious diseases

Used to indicate carrier status of Group B Streptococcus without active infection.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A40.1Sepsis due to streptococcus, group BUse when there is confirmed sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus.
  • Positive blood culture for Group B Streptococcus
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria
B95.1Streptococcus, group B, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse as a secondary code to specify the organism in infections classified elsewhere.
  • Laboratory confirmation of Group B Streptococcus as the causative organism.
Z22.330Carrier of Group B streptococcusUse for asymptomatic carriers, especially in pregnancy.
  • Positive rectovaginal culture for Group B Streptococcus 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 Group B Streptococcus sepsis

Essential facts and insights about Group B Streptococcus

The ICD-10 code for sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus is A40.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for group b streptococcus

Sepsis due to streptococcus, group B
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed sepsis with positive GBS blood culture.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented systemic infection symptoms and positive culture.

Applicable To

  • Sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive blood culture for Group B Streptococcus
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not supported by blood culture results.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies Group B Streptococcus as the causative agent.

Ancillary Codes

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

Streptococcus, group B, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.1
Use as an additional code to identify the organism in infections classified elsewhere.

Differential Codes

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

Sepsis of newborn due to streptococcus, group B

P36.0
Use for neonatal sepsis cases, not maternal.

Sepsis due to streptococcus, group B

A40.1
Use A40.1 for active infection with systemic symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Group B Streptococcus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A40.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify clinical documentation before coding., Educate staff on differences between colonization and infection.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to inappropriate DRG assignment., Compliance: May trigger audits if coding does not match clinical documentation., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of infection tracking and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z22.330 for carriers and A40.1 for active infections.

Impact

Incorrect use of Z22.330 for active infections.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on distinguishing colonization from infection.

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 Group B Streptococcus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Group B Streptococcus

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Group B Streptococcus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

GBS carrier in pregnancy

Specialty: OB/GYN

Required Elements

  • GBS status
  • Screening method
  • Intrapartum prophylaxis
  • Clinical findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient GBS positive, give antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
GBS Status: Positive (rectovaginal culture 05/15/2024, processed via Lim broth). Plan: Intrapartum penicillin G 5 million units IV loading dose, then 2.5 million units q4h.
Explanation
The good example provides specific culture results, treatment plan, and rationale.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Group B Streptococcus? Ask your questions below.

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