Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for MSSA Pneumonia(J15.211, A41.01)

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

Also known as:

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus pneumoniaStaphylococcal pneumonia due to MSSA

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to MSSA Pneumonia

J12-J18Primary Range

Pneumonia due to infectious organisms

This range includes pneumonia caused by various infectious agents, including MSSA.

Sepsis

This range is relevant for cases where MSSA pneumonia leads to sepsis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J15.211Pneumonia due to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureusUse when MSSA is confirmed as the causative organism for pneumonia.
  • Positive sputum or blood culture for MSSA
  • Imaging findings such as lobar consolidation
  • Symptoms like fever, leukocytosis, and productive cough
A41.01Sepsis due to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureusUse when sepsis is confirmed to be due to MSSA.
  • Blood cultures positive for MSSA
  • Clinical signs of sepsis such as fever, tachycardia, and hypotension

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 MSSA pneumonia

Essential facts and insights about MSSA Pneumonia

The ICD-10 code for MSSA pneumonia is J15.211, a combination code for pneumonia due to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mssa pneumonia

Pneumonia due to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed MSSA in culture results

documentation Criteria

  • Documented link between MSSA and pneumonia

Applicable To

  • MSSA pneumonia

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive sputum or blood culture for MSSA
  • Imaging findings such as lobar consolidation
  • Symptoms like fever, leukocytosis, and productive cough

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using a general pneumonia code instead of J15.211

Coding Notes

  • Ensure MSSA is documented as the causative organism to use J15.211.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sepsis due to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus

A41.01
Use when MSSA pneumonia leads to sepsis, sequenced before J15.211.

Differential Codes

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

Pneumonia due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

J15.212
Use J15.212 if the organism is MRSA, which is resistant to methicillin.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use A41.9 if the organism causing sepsis is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting MSSA Pneumonia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J15.211.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are reviewed and documented., Educate providers on the importance of organism documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower DRG weight and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure MSSA is documented as the causative organism and use J15.211.

Impact

Sepsis codes must be sequenced before pneumonia codes when both are present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on sequencing rules and conduct regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for MSSA Pneumonia

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

MSSA Pneumonia Diagnosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Culture results
  • Imaging findings
  • Antibiotic treatment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with productive cough, fever of 102°F, and right lower lobe consolidation on CXR. Sputum culture positive for MSSA. Diagnosed with MSSA pneumonia. Started on oxacillin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pneumonia, treated with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
MSSA pneumonia confirmed by sputum culture, treated with oxacillin.
Explanation
The good example specifies the organism and treatment, supporting accurate coding.

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

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more