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ICD-10 Coding for Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli(N39.0, B96.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

UTI caused by E. coliE. coli UTI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli

N39.0Primary Range

Urinary tract infection, site unspecified

Primary code for unspecified urinary tract infections, often used when the specific site is not documented.

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

Used as an additional code to identify the infectious agent when E. coli is confirmed as the cause.

Cystitis codes

Used when the UTI is specifically documented as cystitis.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

Used when sepsis is present due to a UTI caused by E. coli.

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to indwelling urethral catheter

Used in cases of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N39.0Urinary tract infection, site unspecifiedUse when the UTI is documented without a specific site.
  • Symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, or suprapubic pain
  • Positive urine culture
B96.2Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse as an additional code when E. coli is confirmed as the causative organism.
  • Urine culture confirming E. coli
  • Provider documentation linking E. coli to the UTI

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: How do you code a UTI caused by E. coli?

Essential facts and insights about Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli

For a UTI caused by E. coli, use N39.0 for the unspecified site and B96.2 to specify E. coli as the causative organism.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for urinary tract infection physician initial coli

Urinary tract infection, site unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of UTI symptoms and positive urine culture

documentation Criteria

  • Provider documentation of UTI without specific site

Applicable To

  • UTI not otherwise specified

Excludes

  • Cystitis (N30.-)
  • Pyelonephritis (N10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, or suprapubic pain
  • Positive urine culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Missing additional organism code if E. coli is confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure provider confirmation of E. coli as the causative organism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use as an additional code when E. coli is confirmed as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Acute cystitis without hematuria

N30.00
Use when cystitis is specifically documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N39.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment if organism is not identified., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for specific organism-related treatments.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented by the provider., Educate providers on the importance of specifying causative organisms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require provider statement confirming E. coli as the causative organism.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement for catheter-associated complications., Compliance: Failure to document catheter use can lead to compliance issues., Data Quality: Incomplete clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Add T83.511A for indwelling catheters when applicable.

Impact

Risk of audits due to lack of provider confirmation of E. coli.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks to ensure provider documentation confirms organism.

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 Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Progress Note

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Urine culture results
  • Provider assessment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 32F with 3 days of dysuria, urgency, and suprapubic pain. No hematuria. OBJECTIVE: T 38.1°C; suprapubic tenderness on palpation. LABS: Urinalysis positive for leukocytes/nitrites. Culture: E. coli 120,000 CFU/mL. ASSESSMENT: Acute uncomplicated cystitis due to Escherichia coli (B96.20). PLAN: Start nitrofurantoin 100mg BID x5 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ASSESSMENT: UTI. Start Macrobid.
Good Documentation Example
ASSESSMENT: Acute uncomplicated cystitis due to Escherichia coli (B96.20).
Explanation
The good example specifies the causative organism and links it to the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Urinary Tract Infection due to E. coli? Ask your questions below.

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