What is the ICD-10 code for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection?

The ICD-10 code for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection is A04.71, used for cases with documented recurrence within 8 weeks.

How do you code a non-recurrent Clostridium difficile infection?

For non-recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, use ICD-10 code A04.72, applicable to first-time or recurrences beyond 8 weeks.

ICD-10 Coding for Clostridium difficile infection(A04.71, A04.72, A04.7)

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Comprehensive guide to ICD-10 coding for Clostridium difficile infection, including recurrent and non-recurrent cases. Learn about documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

C. difficile infectionCDIClostridioides difficile infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Clostridium difficile 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 Clostridium difficile, recurrent	Use for patients with a documented recurrence of CDI within 8 weeks of a previous episode.	Documentation of 'recurrent' infection Positive lab tests (e.g. PCR toxin EIA) within 8 weeks
A04.72	Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, not specified as recurrent	Use for initial CDI episodes or recurrences beyond 8 weeks.	Positive lab tests confirming CDI Absence of prior CDI within 8 weeks

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 Clostridium difficile, not specified as recurrentA04.72

Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, recurrentA04.71

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Clostridium difficile infection.

Failure to document CDI recurrence timeframe.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation

Educate clinicians on documentation requirements., Implement EHR prompts for recurrence documentation.

Coding recurrent CDI without proper documentation of recurrence timeframe.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation

Ensure clinical notes explicitly state the recurrence and timeframe.

Recurrent CDI coding

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding if recurrence is not documented.

Mitigation

Implement documentation checks for recurrence timeframe.

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 codes4

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Clostridium difficile infection(A04.71, A04.72, A04.7)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection?

How do you code a non-recurrent Clostridium difficile infection?

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