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 CodesJ15.2

J15.2

Pneumonia due to staphylococcus

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 J15.2 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of pneumonia due to staphylococcus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pneumonia due to Staphylococcus is a type of bacterial pneumonia characterized by the infection of lung tissue caused by Staphylococcus species, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as high fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The infection can lead to the accumulation of pus in the lungs (abscess formation) and may result in severe respiratory distress. The anatomy involved primarily includes the alveoli, bronchi, and lung parenchyma. Disease progression can vary; in some cases, it may lead to necrotizing pneumonia or empyema, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnostic considerations include chest X-rays, CT scans, and sputum cultures to identify the causative organism. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires laboratory confirmation and imaging studies.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and lab results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the causative organism.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the causative organism or using a more general pneumonia code.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of lab results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the severity of illness.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Pneumonia due to Staphylococcus has significant clinical implications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. It contributes to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and prolonged stays. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help in developing targeted prevention strategies and improving quality measures in respiratory care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pneumonia due to Staphylococcus has significant clinical implications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. It contributes to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and prolonged stays. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help in developing targeted prevention strategies and improving quality measures in respiratory care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the illness and whether the patient was treated in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that the coding accurately reflects the diagnosis and treatment provided.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by J15.2?

J15.2 specifically covers pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus species, including cases of community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia due to this organism. It is important to differentiate it from other types of pneumonia, such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or viral pathogens.

When should J15.2 be used instead of related codes?

J15.2 should be used when there is clear documentation of pneumonia specifically due to Staphylococcus. If the pneumonia is due to another organism or is unspecified, other codes such as J18.9 (pneumonia, unspecified) should be considered.

What documentation supports J15.2?

Documentation should include clinical findings, laboratory results confirming Staphylococcus infection, imaging studies showing pneumonia, and treatment plans. Detailed notes on the patient's history and any underlying conditions are also crucial.