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ICD-10 Coding for Spinal Epidural Abscess(G06.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Spinal Epidural Abscess. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

SEAEpidural Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Spinal Epidural Abscess

G06.0-G06.9Primary Range

Intracranial and intraspinal abscess and granuloma

This range includes codes for intraspinal abscesses, including epidural abscess.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

Used to identify the organism causing the infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Other inflammatory spondylopathies

Includes conditions like discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis that may accompany SEA.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for spinal epidural abscess

Essential facts and insights about Spinal Epidural Abscess

The ICD-10 code for spinal epidural abscess is G06.1, covering intraspinal abscesses.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for spinal epidural abscess

Intraspinal abscess and granuloma
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirmation of epidural abscess

documentation Criteria

  • Presence of neurologic deficits documented

Applicable To

  • Epidural abscess

Excludes

  • Paraspinal abscess

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI findings of rim-enhancing epidural collection
  • Positive blood cultures or abscess aspirate
  • Neurologic deficits such as motor/sensory loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with paraspinal abscess
  • Not documenting organism when known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and organism when known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infection

B95.61
Use when MSSA is identified as the causative organism.

Vertebral osteomyelitis

M46.27
Use when vertebral osteomyelitis is present alongside SEA.

Differential Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use only if SEA is ruled out and the pain is non-specific.

Bacterial meningitis, unspecified

G00.9
Use if meningitis is present without an epidural abscess.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Spinal Epidural Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G06.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate antibiotic therapy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for specific treatments.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are reviewed and documented., Use templates that prompt for organism documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Add B95.62 to specify MRSA.

Impact

Failure to document organism can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklists for organism documentation in SEA cases.

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 Spinal Epidural Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Spinal Epidural Abscess

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Spinal Epidural Abscess. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

SEA with MSSA bacteremia

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • MRI findings
  • Blood culture results
  • Neurologic exam

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe back pain and fever. MRI shows T9-T11 epidural abscess. Blood cultures positive for MSSA. Neurologic exam reveals bilateral lower extremity weakness.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has back pain and fever.
Good Documentation Example
Severe localized thoracic back pain with percussion tenderness, fever (38.9°C), and bilateral lower extremity weakness (3/5 strength).
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and clinical findings supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Spinal Epidural Abscess? Ask your questions below.

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