What is the ICD-10 code for recurrent C. diff infection?

The ICD-10 code for recurrent C. diff infection is A04.71. It is used when the infection recurs within 8 weeks of a previous episode.

How is non-recurrent C. diff infection coded?

Non-recurrent C. diff infection is coded as A04.72, used for initial or non-recurrent cases without prior episodes within 8 weeks.

ICD-10 Coding for C. diff Infection(A04.71, A04.72, A04.7)

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Explore detailed ICD-10 coding guidelines for C. diff infections, including recurrent and non-recurrent cases. Learn about documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Clostridioides difficile InfectionC. difficile ColitisPseudomembranous Colitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to C. diff Infection

A00-B99Primary Range

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
A04.71	Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, recurrent	Use when the patient has a documented recurrent C. diff infection within 8 weeks of a previous episode.	Positive stool toxin assay or PCR within 8 weeks of prior episode Documentation of recurrent symptoms such as diarrhea
A04.72	Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, non-recurrent	Use for initial or non-recurrent C. diff infections.	Positive stool toxin assay or PCR No documented recurrence within 8 weeks
A48.8	Other specified bacterial diseases	Use for C. diff infections not involving the gastrointestinal tract.	Positive lab results indicating C. diff outside the GI tract

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, recurrent

A04.71Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, non-recurrentA04.72

Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile, recurrentA04.71

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting C. diff Infection.

Vague documentation of symptoms

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Denial of claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure detailed symptom documentation, Include lab results and treatment plans

Using A04.72 for recurrent infections

Impact

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

Mitigation

Verify recurrence status and use A04.71 if within 8 weeks.

Not documenting the specific pathogen for sepsis

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of sepsis-related claims., Compliance: Failure to meet coding standards., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of infection source.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation links sepsis to C. diff.

Recurrent Infection Coding

Impact

Incorrect coding of recurrent infections as non-recurrent.

Mitigation

Verify recurrence status and document appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with A04.71.

Primary Code

A04.71

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, recurrent

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ICD-10 codes5

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ICD-10 Coding for C. diff Infection(A04.71, A04.72, A04.7)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for recurrent C. diff infection?

How is non-recurrent C. diff infection coded?

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