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ICD-10 Coding for STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome(D59.31, A04.72)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli HUSE. coli O157:H7 HUS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

D59.3Primary Range

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

This range includes all forms of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, with specific codes for infection-associated and other types.

Other specified bacterial intestinal infections

Includes codes for enterocolitis due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which is often the underlying cause of STEC-HUS.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D59.31Infection-associated hemolytic-uremic syndromeUse when STEC infection is confirmed and the clinical triad is present.
  • STEC confirmed via stool culture/PCR
  • Triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury
A04.72Enterocolitis due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coliUse as the primary code when STEC infection is confirmed and precedes HUS development.
  • Confirmation of STEC infection through stool culture or PCR

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 STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Essential facts and insights about STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome is D59.31, used when STEC infection is confirmed and the clinical triad of HUS is present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stec hemolytic uremic syndrome

Infection-associated hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • STEC confirmed and clinical triad present

coding Criteria

  • Sequence A04.72 first if STEC infection is present

Applicable To

  • STEC-associated HUS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • STEC confirmed via stool culture/PCR
  • Triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with atypical HUS

Coding Notes

  • Ensure STEC infection is documented and confirmed through appropriate testing.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute kidney failure, unspecified

N17.9
Use if documentation states 'acute renal failure' without specifying AKI stage.

Differential Codes

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

Hereditary hemolytic-uremic syndrome

D59.32
Genetic testing confirms CFH/CFI/MCP mutations.

Other hemolytic-uremic syndrome

D59.39
Use when STEC testing is negative but clinical HUS is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D59.31.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in the patient's record., Verify documentation before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use D59.31 for STEC-associated HUS.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of STEC infection and HUS codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules and provide regular audits.

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 STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Note

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Reason for visit
  • History of present illness
  • Laboratory results
  • Impression and plan

Example Documentation

REASON: Bloody diarrhea + oliguria HX: 3 days diarrhea → bloody stools today, urine output 200 mL/24hr LABS: STEC PCR+: Shiga toxin 2, E. coli O157:H7 Hgb 7.4 → 6.2 g/dL (48 hr delta) Platelets 210 → 92 x10³/µL Schistocytes 2%, haptoglobin <30 mg/dL IMPRESSION: STEC-HUS (D59.31) with AKI stage 3

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
HUS with kidney failure
Good Documentation Example
STEC-associated HUS confirmed by Shiga toxin PCR (stool) and WGS serotyping O157:H7. Labs: Hgb 6.8 g/dL, platelets 52k/µL, schistocytes 4%, haptoglobin <10 mg/dL, creatinine 3.2 mg/dL (baseline 0.7). Renal biopsy shows thrombotic microangiopathy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and confirmation of STEC, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for STEC Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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