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ICD-10 Coding for Viral Gastroenteritis(A08.0, A08.11)

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

Also known as:

Stomach FluViral Stomach Bug

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Viral Gastroenteritis

A08Primary Range

Viral and other specified intestinal infections

This range includes specific viral pathogens causing gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus and norovirus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A08.0Rotaviral enteritisUse when rotavirus is confirmed as the causative agent.
  • Rotavirus detected by stool ELISA or PCR
A08.11Acute gastroenteropathy due to Norwalk agentUse when Norwalk agent (norovirus) is confirmed.
  • Norovirus confirmed by PCR in stool sample

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 viral gastroenteritis

Essential facts and insights about Viral Gastroenteritis

The ICD-10 code for viral gastroenteritis varies by pathogen: A08.0 for rotavirus and A08.11 for norovirus.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for viral gastroenteritis

Rotaviral enteritis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Rotavirus confirmed via lab test.

Applicable To

  • Rotavirus infection

Excludes

  • Bacterial gastroenteritis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Rotavirus detected by stool ELISA or PCR

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentification of pathogen leading to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure specific pathogen identification to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use if dehydration is documented alongside viral gastroenteritis.

Differential Codes

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

Viral intestinal infection, unspecified

A08.4
Use A08.4 when the specific virus is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Viral Gastroenteritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A08.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for dehydration treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Always assess and document dehydration status., Include specific clinical signs in the documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always update to specific codes once lab results confirm the pathogen.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific pathogens are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are reviewed and specific codes are used.

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

Documentation Templates for Viral Gastroenteritis

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

Emergency Department Visit for Viral Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient age and symptoms duration
  • Exposure history
  • Dehydration status
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

HPI: 5-year-old presents with vomiting and diarrhea for 48 hours. Stool PCR positive for rotavirus. Assessment: Acute viral gastroenteritis due to rotavirus. Plan: Oral rehydration therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has stomach bug.
Good Documentation Example
3 days of watery diarrhea/vomiting; rotavirus ELISA positive; mild dehydration (dry lips).
Explanation
The good example provides specific pathogen identification and dehydration status, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Viral Gastroenteritis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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