ICD-10 Coding for Infectious Diarrhea(A08.0, A03.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Infectious Diarrhea. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Infectious Diarrhea
A00-A09Primary Range
Intestinal infectious diseases
This range includes all infectious causes of diarrhea, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
Used when diarrhea is non-infectious or when the infectious agent is not identified.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A08.0 | Rotaviral enteritis | Use when rotavirus is confirmed as the causative agent. |
|
| A03.0 | Shigellosis due to Shigella dysenteriae | Use when Shigella dysenteriae is confirmed as the causative agent. |
|
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 infectious diarrhea
Essential facts and insights about Infectious Diarrhea
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for infectious diarrhea
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed rotavirus infection via lab test
Applicable To
- Rotavirus infection
Excludes
- Non-infectious diarrhea
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive rotavirus antigen test
- PCR confirmation
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if not confirmed by lab tests
Coding Notes
- Ensure laboratory confirmation of rotavirus.
A03.0 - Shigellosis due to Shigella dysenteriae
Use when Shigella dysenteriae is confirmed as the causative agent.
Applicable To
- Shigella dysentery
Excludes
- Non-infectious colitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive stool culture for Shigella
- Presence of fecal leukocytes
Coding Notes
Document specific Shigella species.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Infectious Diarrhea 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 inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Include specific symptoms and test results, Use standardized documentation templates
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available based on lab results.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are documented 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 Infectious Diarrhea, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Infectious Diarrhea
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Infectious Diarrhea. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pediatric infectious diarrhea
Specialty: PediatricsRequired Elements
- Symptom duration
- Exposure history
- Stool characteristics
- Confirmed pathogen
- Dehydration status
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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