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ICD-10 Coding for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection(B96.5, A41.51)

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

Also known as:

Pseudomonas InfectionPseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteremiap aeruginosa

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

B96-B97Primary Range

Bacterial and viral agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

This range includes codes for identifying bacterial agents causing diseases classified elsewhere, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pneumonia due to specific infectious organisms

This range includes codes for pneumonia caused by specific organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Sepsis

This range includes codes for sepsis, including those due to specific organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B96.5Pseudomonas as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse when Pseudomonas is identified as the causative organism for a condition classified elsewhere.
  • Positive culture identifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Clinical signs of infection such as fever, elevated WBC
A41.51Sepsis due to PseudomonasUse when sepsis is confirmed to be due to Pseudomonas.
  • Blood culture positive for Pseudomonas
  • Clinical signs of sepsis such as fever, tachycardia

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 Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Essential facts and insights about Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

The ICD-10 code for Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a cause of diseases classified elsewhere is B96.5.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

coding Criteria

  • Primary code does not specify Pseudomonas

Applicable To

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Excludes

  • Sepsis due to Pseudomonas (A41.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive culture identifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Clinical signs of infection such as fever, elevated WBC

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using B96.5 when the primary code already specifies Pseudomonas.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies Pseudomonas as the causative organism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pneumonia due to Pseudomonas

J15.1
Use J15.1 as the primary code for pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas.

Differential Codes

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

Sepsis due to Pseudomonas

A41.51
Use A41.51 when sepsis is specifically due to Pseudomonas, not B96.5.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use A41.9 when the organism causing sepsis is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B96.5.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm organism with lab results., Include organism in clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on infection causes.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify if the primary code includes Pseudomonas before adding B96.5.

Impact

Using B96.5 when the primary code already specifies Pseudomonas.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on correct code combinations.

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 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

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

Hospital-acquired pneumonia due to Pseudomonas

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Organism identification
  • Site of infection
  • Clinical indicators

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever and cough. Sputum culture positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CXR shows right lower lobe infiltrate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pneumonia with positive culture.
Good Documentation Example
Pneumonia due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa confirmed by sputum culture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the organism and confirms the diagnosis with culture results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection? Ask your questions below.

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