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ICD-10 Coding for Verotoxin(B96.21, A04.3, D59.3)

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

Also known as:

Shiga toxinSTECEHECVTEC

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Verotoxin

B96.2-B96.29Primary Range

Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

This range includes codes for infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, including specific serotypes like O157.

Enterocolitis due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

This code is used when gastrointestinal symptoms are the primary manifestation of the infection.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

This code is used when hemolytic-uremic syndrome is the primary manifestation of the infection.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B96.21Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] O157Use when STEC O157 is confirmed and linked to clinical manifestations.
  • Confirmation of O157 serotype via PCR or culture
  • Presence of Shiga toxin genes (stx1/stx2)
A04.3Enterocolitis due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coliUse when gastrointestinal symptoms are the primary manifestation.
  • Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Lab confirmation of STEC
D59.3Hemolytic-uremic syndromeUse when HUS is the primary manifestation.
  • Presence of HUS symptoms
  • Lab confirmation of STEC

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 verotoxin

Essential facts and insights about Verotoxin

The ICD-10 code for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 is B96.21, used when confirmed via lab tests.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for verotoxin

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] O157
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed O157 serotype with clinical symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Lab results specifying O157 serotype.

Applicable To

  • STEC O157:H7

Excludes

  • Non-O157 STEC infections

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Confirmation of O157 serotype via PCR or culture
  • Presence of Shiga toxin genes (stx1/stx2)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code without serotype confirmation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation of serotype before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Enterocolitis due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

A04.3
Use when gastrointestinal symptoms are the primary concern.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

D59.3
Use when HUS is the primary concern.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

B96.22
Use for non-O157 serotypes confirmed via lab tests.

Enterocolitis due to other specified bacteria

A04.7
Use for non-STEC bacterial enterocolitis.

Drug-induced nonautoimmune hemolytic anemia

D59.0
Use for drug-induced HUS.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Verotoxin to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B96.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm serotype with lab tests., Include specific serotype in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab confirmation of O157 serotype before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for services rendered., Compliance: Failure to follow coding guidelines., Data Quality: Incomplete clinical data capture.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair A04.3 with B96.21 for confirmed STEC.

Impact

Coding O157 without lab confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require lab confirmation before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Verotoxin

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

Emergency Department Visit for Suspected STEC

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

45yo male with 3 days of severe abdominal cramps, 10+ bloody stools/day. Stool PCR positive for stx2 and eae genes. Culture confirms STEC O157:H7.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diarrhea, rule out infection.
Good Documentation Example
Acute hemorrhagic colitis; STEC O157 confirmed by PCR (stx2+, eae+).
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab confirmation and diagnosis.

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

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