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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA74.8

A74.8

Other specified bacterial intestinal infections

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A74.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified bacterial intestinal infections.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A74.8 encompasses a range of bacterial intestinal infections that do not fall under more specific categories. This includes infections caused by organisms such as Chlamydia, which can manifest in various ways, including respiratory and urogenital symptoms. Chlamydial infections are primarily known for their urogenital manifestations, leading to conditions such as cervicitis and urethritis. However, they can also present with respiratory symptoms, particularly in cases of Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can cause atypical pneumonia. In the context of intestinal infections, Chlamydia can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, although this is less common. The diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and imaging studies to confirm the presence of the infection and its specific manifestations. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and management of these infections, as well as for tracking epidemiological trends and ensuring appropriate reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of clinical presentations (respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal)
  • Need for differential diagnosis with other bacterial infections
  • Potential overlap with other ICD-10 codes
  • Documentation requirements for specific manifestations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Misclassification of infection type
  • Failure to specify the site of infection
  • Inconsistent use of laboratory results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with atypical pneumonia or urogenital symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all manifestations are documented to support the use of A74.8.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of gastrointestinal symptoms and relevant diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with gastrointestinal complaints and suspected bacterial infections.

Billing Considerations

Document any differential diagnoses to justify the use of A74.8.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A74.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the infection is specified as 'other' and not covered by more specific codes
  • Document all relevant clinical findings and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A74.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae nucleic acid detection

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for chlamydial infections in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chlamydial infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A74.8 provides a broader category for infections that may not fit neatly into other classifications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chlamydial infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A74.8 provides a broader category for infections that may not fit neatly into other classifications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. A74.8 provides a broader category for infections that may not fit neatly into other classifications.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Chlamydia Fact Sheet

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Chlamydia Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use A74.8 instead of A74.0?

Use A74.8 when the infection is specified as an intestinal infection and not primarily urogenital. If the infection is primarily urogenital, use A74.0.