Oth bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classd elswhr

This code identifies bacterial pathogens that are not specifically classified elsewhere in ICD-10-CM, acting as the causative agent for a disease. It's used when a bacterial infection is confirmed, but the specific bacterium is not listed under more precise codes or is an unusual or less common species.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies a bacterial infection by a specific organism that doesn't have its own unique ICD-10-CM code. This often occurs with less common bacterial species or when laboratory results confirm a bacterial etiology without a more specific code available.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific disease or condition caused by the bacterial agent.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly names the bacterial agent; avoid using this code for unspecified bacterial infections.
• Do not use this code if a more specific bacterial agent code (e.g., for E. coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus) is available.