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ICD-10 Coding for History of C. diff(Z86.19)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of C. diff. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

History of Clostridioides difficileHx of C. diffHistory of C. difficile infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of C. diff

Z86.1-Z86.19Primary Range

Personal history of certain other diseases

This range includes codes for personal history of infectious and parasitic diseases, including C. diff.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of C. diff

Essential facts and insights about History of C. diff

The ICD-10 code for a history of C. diff infection is Z86.19, indicating a personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of c diff

Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a documented history of C. diff with no current symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Include details of past positive tests and treatment.

Applicable To

  • History of Clostridioides difficile infection

Excludes

  • Current or active Clostridioides difficile infection (A04.7-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented past positive test for C. diff toxin
  • Treatment history for C. diff infection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as an active infection
  • Omission of recurrence details in history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the history and not current infection.

Ancillary Codes

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

Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified

K52.9
Use for residual GI symptoms post C. diff infection.

Diarrhea, unspecified

R19.7
Use if diarrhea is present but not due to active C. diff.

Differential Codes

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

Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, recurrent

A04.71
Use A04.71 for active recurrent infections, not for history.

Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, non-recurrent

A04.72
Use A04.72 for active non-recurrent infections, not for history.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of C. diff to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.19.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect clinical assumptions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document recurrence history if applicable., Review past medical records for accurate history.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.19 for history and A04.7- codes for active infections.

Impact

Risk of coding history as active infection.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough review of patient history and symptoms.

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 History of C. diff, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of C. diff

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of C. diff. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Visit

Specialty: Family Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history of C. diff infection
  • Date of last positive test
  • Treatment details
  • Current symptom status

Example Documentation

Patient has a history of C. diff infection treated in 2023 with vancomycin. No current symptoms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of C. diff.
Good Documentation Example
History of C. diff infection treated with vancomycin in 2023, no current symptoms.
Explanation
The good example provides specific treatment and resolution details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of C. diff? Ask your questions below.

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