ICD-10 Coding for E. coli Infections(A41.51, N39.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for E. coli Infections. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to E. coli Infections
A41.5-A41.59Primary Range
Sepsis due to Escherichia coli
Primary range for coding sepsis caused by E. coli.
Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Used for coding urinary tract infections, often secondary to E. coli.
Other bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Used to specify E. coli as the causative organism in infections.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A41.51 | Sepsis due to Escherichia coli | Use when sepsis is confirmed to be caused by E. coli. |
|
| N39.0 | Urinary tract infection, site not specified | Use for UTIs when the specific site is not 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 E. coli sepsis
Essential facts and insights about E. coli Infections
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for physician initial coli
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with confirmed E. coli infection
Applicable To
- Sepsis with confirmed E. coli infection
Excludes
- Sepsis due to other organisms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood culture for E. coli
- SIRS criteria met
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding sepsis without organism confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies E. coli as the causative agent.
N39.0 - Urinary tract infection, site not specified
Use for UTIs when the specific site is not documented.
Applicable To
- UTI with unspecified site
Excludes
- Cystitis (N30.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Urine culture positive for E. coli
Coding Notes
Ensure urine culture results are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Severe sepsis without septic shock
R65.20Differential 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 E. coli Infections to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A41.51.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always review lab results before finalizing documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the organism if confirmed by lab results.
Impact
Failure to document organism in sepsis cases
Mitigation Strategy
Implement checklist for sepsis documentation.
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 Infections, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for E. coli Infections
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for E. coli Infections. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Sepsis
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Presenting symptoms
- Vital signs
- Lab results
- Culture results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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