ICD-10 Coding for MSSA Bacteremia(A41.01, R78.81, B95.61)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for MSSA Bacteremia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to MSSA Bacteremia
A40-A41Primary Range
Other bacterial sepsis
Includes sepsis due to MSSA, which is a common complication of MSSA bacteremia.
Bacterial and viral infectious agents
Used to identify MSSA as the causative organism in infections.
Findings of drugs and other substances, not normally found in blood
Includes bacteremia without sepsis, applicable when MSSA is identified in blood cultures.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A41.01 | Sepsis due to Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus | Use when sepsis is confirmed due to MSSA. |
|
| R78.81 | Bacteremia | Use when bacteremia is present without sepsis. |
|
| B95.61 | Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere | Use as a secondary code to specify MSSA as the causative organism. |
|
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 MSSA bacteremia
Essential facts and insights about MSSA Bacteremia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mssa bacteremia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of SIRS and positive MSSA blood cultures
Applicable To
- Sepsis due to MSSA
Excludes
- Sepsis due to MRSA
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood cultures for MSSA
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria met
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding without confirming sepsis criteria
Coding Notes
- Ensure sepsis criteria are met and documented.
R78.81 - Bacteremia
Use when bacteremia is present without sepsis.
Applicable To
- Presence of bacteria in the blood
Excludes
- Sepsis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood cultures without systemic inflammatory response
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies bacteremia without sepsis.
B95.61 - Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Use as a secondary code to specify MSSA as the causative organism.
Applicable To
- MSSA as causative organism
Excludes
- MRSA as causative organism
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Laboratory confirmation of MSSA
Coding Notes
Always pair with a primary condition code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B95.61Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Sepsis due to Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
A41.02Sepsis due to Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
A41.01Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B95.62Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting MSSA Bacteremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A41.01.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results specify MSSA or MRSA, Educate staff on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always pair B95.61 with a primary condition code like A41.01 or R78.81.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Potential for audit issues., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of infection type.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies MSSA versus MRSA.
Impact
Failure to sequence primary and secondary codes correctly.
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 MSSA Bacteremia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for MSSA Bacteremia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for MSSA Bacteremia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Inpatient Progress Note
Specialty: Infectious DiseaseRequired Elements
- Assessment of MSSA bacteremia
- Blood culture results
- Antibiotic treatment plan
- Follow-up culture plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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