ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA35

A35

Other specified bacterial diseases

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A35 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified bacterial diseases.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code A35 encompasses a variety of bacterial diseases that do not fall under more specific categories. This includes infections caused by atypical mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium avium complex, which can lead to pulmonary disease or disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Other specified bacterial diseases may also include infections caused by less common pathogens, such as certain strains of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus that do not fit into the more defined categories of bacterial infections. Treatment protocols for these infections often involve the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and in cases of mycobacterial infections, specific agents such as rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol may be utilized. Resistance patterns can vary significantly, with some bacteria exhibiting multi-drug resistance, necessitating careful selection of antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility testing. Accurate coding for A35 is crucial for proper treatment tracking and epidemiological studies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of bacterial pathogens included under this code
  • Need for precise documentation of the specific bacterial infection
  • Potential overlap with other bacterial disease codes
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on resistance patterns

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific bacterial pathogen
  • Failure to correlate clinical findings with laboratory results
  • Misuse of A35 when a more specific code is available
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the type of infection, treatment response, and any laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with atypical mycobacterial infections or resistant bacterial infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant laboratory results are documented to support the diagnosis.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of respiratory symptoms, imaging studies, and microbiological cultures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with pulmonary infections caused by mycobacteria or other atypical bacteria.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's immune status is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A35 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A35 should be used when the specific bacterial disease is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not used when a more specific code is available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A35 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when a bacterial infection is suspected and cultures are obtained.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and the clinical indication for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional details on the patient's history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of bacterial diseases, including those that are less common. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and resistance patterns, but it also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and specificity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of bacterial diseases, including those that are less common. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and resistance patterns, but it also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and specificity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of bacterial diseases, including those that are less common. This has improved the ability to track epidemiological trends and resistance patterns, but it also requires coders to be more diligent in documentation and specificity.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Mycobacteria

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Mycobacteria

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of infections are included under A35?

A35 includes various bacterial infections that are not classified elsewhere, such as atypical mycobacterial infections and infections caused by less common bacterial pathogens.