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ICD-10 Coding for Helicobacter pylori Infection(B96.81, Z11.4)

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

Also known as:

H. pylori infectionHelicobacter infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Helicobacter pylori Infection

B96.81Primary Range

Helicobacter pylori as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

Used to specify H. pylori as the causative agent in various gastrointestinal conditions.

Encounter for screening for bacterial and viral infections

Used for screening purposes in asymptomatic patients.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B96.81Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse when H. pylori is confirmed as the causative agent of a documented condition.
  • Positive urea breath test
  • Positive stool antigen test
  • Biopsy confirming H. pylori
Z11.4Encounter for screening for bacterial and viral infectionsUse for routine screening in asymptomatic patients.
  • Patient is asymptomatic
  • Screening intent 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 H. pylori infection

Essential facts and insights about Helicobacter pylori Infection

The ICD-10 code for H. pylori infection is B96.81, used with a primary condition code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hours pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive test confirming H. pylori

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation linking H. pylori to the condition

Applicable To

  • H. pylori infection causing gastric ulcer
  • H. pylori infection causing gastritis

Excludes

  • H. pylori infection without specified condition

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive urea breath test
  • Positive stool antigen test
  • Biopsy confirming H. pylori

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using as a primary code
  • Failure to document the causal relationship

Coding Notes

  • Always sequence after the primary condition code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for bacterial and viral infections

Z11.4
Use for asymptomatic screening without a history of H. pylori.

Differential Codes

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

Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation

K25.9
Use when the ulcer is confirmed but not specified as acute or chronic.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Helicobacter pylori Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B96.81.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements., Implement EHR prompts for causal documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair B96.81 with a primary condition code.

Impact

Using B96.81 as a primary code.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Helicobacter pylori Infection

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

Confirmed Peptic Ulcer

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Test results confirming H. pylori
  • Link between H. pylori and condition

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has stomach pain and H. pylori.
Good Documentation Example
56M with epigastric pain. EGD shows gastric ulcer. Biopsy positive for H. pylori. Diagnosis: Gastric ulcer (K25.9) due to H. pylori (B96.81).
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and links H. pylori to the ulcer.

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

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