ICD-10 Coding for Strep Bacteremia(A40.1, A49.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Strep Bacteremia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Strep Bacteremia
A40-A41Primary Range
Streptococcal and other bacterial sepsis
This range includes codes for sepsis due to various bacterial organisms, including Streptococcus.
Bacterial and viral infectious agents
This range provides codes for identifying the bacterial agent causing diseases classified elsewhere.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A40.1 | Sepsis due to Streptococcus, group B | Use when there is confirmed sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus. |
|
| A49.1 | Streptococcal infection, unspecified site | Use when bacteremia is present without 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 strep bacteremia
Essential facts and insights about Strep Bacteremia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for strep bacteremia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of SIRS criteria and positive blood culture for Group B Streptococcus.
Applicable To
- Sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus
Excludes
- Bacteremia without sepsis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood cultures for Group B Streptococcus
- Presence of SIRS criteria
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding bacteremia when sepsis is present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the organism and confirms sepsis.
A49.1 - Streptococcal infection, unspecified site
Use when bacteremia is present without sepsis.
Applicable To
- Bacteremia due to Streptococcus
Excludes
- Sepsis due to Streptococcus
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive blood culture for Streptococcus
- No evidence of sepsis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the organism and confirms bacteremia.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Strep Bacteremia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A40.1.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and treatment errors., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terminology, Confirm organism with lab results
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Code sepsis only if both bacteremia and sepsis are present.
Impact
Incorrect coding of sepsis when only bacteremia is present.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure clinical validation of sepsis criteria.
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 Strep Bacteremia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Strep Bacteremia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Strep Bacteremia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Postpartum sepsis due to GBS
Specialty: ObstetricsRequired Elements
- Onset and symptoms
- Blood culture results
- SIRS criteria
- Organ dysfunction
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Strep Bacteremia? Ask your questions below.