Methicillin suscep staph infection, unsp site

This code identifies an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus that is susceptible to methicillin and its derivatives. It signifies a bacterial infection where the specific anatomical location of the infection has not been documented or determined. This is a common pathogen responsible for various infections, from skin and soft tissue to more severe systemic conditions.

Use this code when documentation confirms a Staphylococcus aureus infection that has been tested and found to be methicillin-susceptible, but the physician has not specified the primary site of the infection. This is appropriate for initial encounters or when the infection site is diffuse or unknown. Documentation should clearly state "MSSA infection, unspecified site" or similar.

• Always seek clarification from the provider if a specific infection site is mentioned in the clinical notes but not explicitly coded.
• Do not use this code if the Staphylococcus aureus is documented as methicillin-resistant (MRSA); a different code would apply.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-morbidity.