Resistance to carbapenem

This code indicates that a bacterial pathogen has developed resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, a class of broad-spectrum drugs often used for severe or multi-drug resistant infections. This resistance means that carbapenems are no longer effective in treating the infection caused by this specific organism.

Assign this code when laboratory testing (e.g., susceptibility testing) confirms that an identified bacterial pathogen is resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. This typically occurs in cases of healthcare-associated infections, complicated urinary tract infections, or other serious infections where initial empiric therapy may have included carbapenems.

• Always ensure laboratory documentation explicitly states carbapenem resistance for a specific organism.
• Code the underlying infection first, followed by this resistance code as a secondary diagnosis.
• Do not use this code for suspected or presumed resistance; confirmed lab results are required.