Bacterial intestinal infection, unspecified

This code signifies an intestinal infection caused by bacteria when the specific bacterial pathogen is not identified in the medical record. It represents a general diagnosis of bacterial enteritis or colitis without further microbiological specification.

Use this code when documentation confirms a bacterial intestinal infection, but the causative organism (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter) is not specified. This often occurs when laboratory results are pending, inconclusive, or not performed, and the clinician has diagnosed a bacterial etiology based on clinical presentation.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific bacterial pathogen is documented; always code to the highest level of specificity.
• Query the provider for clarification if "bacterial intestinal infection" is documented but no specific organism is identified, and lab results are available.
• Consider sequencing this code after symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain if the infection is a manifestation of those symptoms.