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ICD-10 Coding for Staph epidermidis(B95.2, A41.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Staph epidermidis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Staphylococcus epidermidisS. epidermidis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Staph epidermidis

B95-B97Primary Range

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

This range includes codes for identifying the infectious agent responsible for a condition, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Septicemia

This range covers codes for septicemia, which may be caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Complications of surgical and medical care, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for infections related to medical devices, such as central line-associated bloodstream infections.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B95.2Staphylococcus epidermidis as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse when S. epidermidis is identified as the causative organism of an infection.
  • Positive identification of S. epidermidis from culture
  • Documentation of infection site
A41.89Other specified sepsisUse when sepsis is confirmed and S. epidermidis is the causative organism.
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria met
  • Positive blood cultures

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 Staphylococcus epidermidis

Essential facts and insights about Staph epidermidis

The ICD-10 code for Staphylococcus epidermidis is B95.2, used with a site-specific code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for staph epidermidis

Staphylococcus epidermidis as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive culture for S. epidermidis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of infection site and organism

Applicable To

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis infection

Excludes

  • Staphylococcus aureus infection

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive identification of S. epidermidis from culture
  • Documentation of infection site

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentification of the organism
  • Failure to specify infection site

Coding Notes

  • Always pair with a code for the specific infection site.

Ancillary Codes

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

Resistance to penicillins

Z16.11
Use when S. epidermidis shows resistance to methicillin or oxacillin.

Differential Codes

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

Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infection

B95.61
Use B95.61 for infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, not S. epidermidis.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use A41.9 when the causative organism is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Staph epidermidis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B95.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific site of infection., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair B95.2 with a code for the specific infection site.

Impact

Failure to document the infection site can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks and use templates.

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 Staph epidermidis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Staph epidermidis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Staph epidermidis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Infection site
  • Organism identification
  • Antibiotic resistance

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever and hypotension. Blood cultures positive for S. epidermidis. Central line in place. Treated with vancomycin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Staph infection
Good Documentation Example
S. epidermidis bacteremia confirmed by blood culture, resistant to oxacillin.
Explanation
The good example specifies the organism, infection site, and resistance, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Staph epidermidis? Ask your questions below.

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