Unsp shig tox E coli [STEC] causing diseases classd elswhr

This code indicates that an unspecified Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is identified as the causative agent for an infectious disease that is classified in another chapter of ICD-10-CM. It signifies the bacterial etiology when the specific STEC serotype or strain is not documented. This is a secondary code, always used in conjunction with a code for the manifestation of the infection.

Use this code when laboratory testing confirms the presence of STEC, but the specific serogroup (e.g., O157:H7) is not identified, and the STEC is determined to be the cause of a disease such as gastroenteritis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), or other infections. Documentation must clearly link the STEC to the patient's condition and specify that the STEC is "unspecified."

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific disease manifestation (e.g., A04.3 for enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection).
• Do not use this code if the specific STEC serotype (e.g., O157:H7) is documented; instead, use the more specific code B96.21 or B96.22.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unspecified STEC" or similar language when the specific serotype is unknown.