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ICD-10 Coding for E. coli Urinary Tract Infection(N39.0, B96.20, A41.51)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for E. coli Urinary Tract Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Escherichia coli UTIE. coli bladder infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to E. coli Urinary Tract Infection

N30-N39Primary Range

Other diseases of the urinary system

This range includes codes for urinary tract infections, including those caused by E. coli.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

This range includes codes for identifying the infectious organism, such as E. coli.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site not specifiedUse when the site of the UTI is not specified but E. coli is identified.
  • Symptoms of UTI
  • Positive urine culture
B96.20Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse as an additional code with N39.0 when E. coli is the identified organism.
  • Urine culture confirming E. coli
A41.51Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli]Use when sepsis is present and E. coli is confirmed as the causative organism.
  • Blood culture confirming E. coli
  • Clinical signs of sepsis

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 E. coli UTI

Essential facts and insights about E. coli Urinary Tract Infection

The ICD-10 code for E. coli UTI is N39.0, with B96.20 for specifying E. coli.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for physician initial coli urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms of UTI with positive urine culture for E. coli.

Applicable To

  • UTI with unspecified site

Excludes

  • Cystitis (N30.-)
  • Pyelonephritis (N10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms of UTI
  • Positive urine culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without organism confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure urine culture confirms E. coli.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.20
Use as an additional code to identify E. coli as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Acute cystitis without hematuria

N30.00
Presence of localized bladder symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting E. coli Urinary Tract Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N39.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented., Use EHR prompts to capture culture data.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure urine culture results are documented and use B96.20.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Violation of coding sequencing rules., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of clinical severity.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence A41.51 first, followed by N39.0.

Impact

Risk of audits due to improper sequencing of sepsis and UTI codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on coding guidelines and 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 E. coli Urinary Tract Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for E. coli Urinary Tract Infection

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for E. coli Urinary Tract Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care UTI Visit

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Urine culture results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dysuria and urgency. Urine culture: E. coli 10⁵ CFU/mL. Plan: Nitrofurantoin 100mg BID x5 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has UTI. Start Cipro.
Good Documentation Example
Acute uncomplicated cystitis with dysuria, urgency, and E. coli (10⁵ CFU/mL) on urine culture. No fever/flank pain. Start nitrofurantoin.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, culture results, and a targeted treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for E. coli Urinary Tract Infection? Ask your questions below.

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