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ICD-10 Coding for Strep Pneumonia(J13)

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

Also known as:

Pneumococcal PneumoniaStreptococcus Pneumoniae Pneumonia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Strep Pneumonia

J12-J18Primary Range

Pneumonia due to infectious organisms

This range includes codes for pneumonia caused by various infectious agents, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for strep pneumonia

Essential facts and insights about Strep Pneumonia

The ICD-10 code for pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae is J13.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for strep pneumonia

Pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae through lab tests

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of Streptococcus pneumoniae in medical records

Applicable To

  • Pneumococcal pneumonia

Excludes

  • Pneumonia due to other specified bacteria

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive sputum culture for Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Positive urine antigen test
  • Chest X-ray showing lobar consolidation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when organism is unspecified
  • Incorrect sequencing with sepsis codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure organism specificity is documented to avoid defaulting to J18.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae

A40.3
Use when sepsis is documented as caused by pneumococcal pneumonia.

Acute respiratory failure

J96.0-
Add if hypoxemia or respiratory failure occurs.

Differential Codes

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

Pneumonia, unspecified organism

J18.9
Use J18.9 when the causative organism is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Strep Pneumonia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J13.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards, Implement checklist for pneumonia documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect code may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies Streptococcus pneumoniae to use J13.

Impact

Lack of specific organism documentation can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and provider education on documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Strep Pneumonia

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

Pneumonia with confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Assessment with organism identification
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

CC: Fever, productive cough. Assessment: Pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae confirmed by sputum culture. Plan: IV antibiotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pneumonia, unspecified.
Good Documentation Example
Pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae confirmed by sputum culture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the causative organism, allowing for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Strep Pneumonia? Ask your questions below.

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