Carrier of carbapenem-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii

This code identifies an individual who harbors Acinetobacter baumannii that remains susceptible to carbapenem antibiotics, without exhibiting active infection symptoms. It signifies a colonization state rather than an active disease process caused by this specific bacterium.

Apply this code when documentation confirms the presence of carbapenem-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii in a patient who is asymptomatic for infection. This is often identified through surveillance cultures in healthcare settings or during contact tracing. It is appropriate for patients who are carriers but not currently ill from this organism.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "carrier" or "colonization" and specifies Acinetobacter baumannii that is "carbapenem-sensitive."
• Do not use this code if the patient has an active infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii; instead, code the specific infection.
• This code may be used as a secondary diagnosis to indicate a patient's carrier status, particularly in hospital-acquired infection prevention efforts.