Pneumococcal peritonitis

This code represents an infection of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, caused specifically by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This condition is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to significant abdominal pain, fever, and systemic illness. It is often a complication of other underlying conditions, particularly those causing ascites or immunosuppression.

This code is appropriate for cases where the patient's peritonitis is definitively diagnosed as being caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Documentation should clearly state the causative organism, typically confirmed by culture of peritoneal fluid or blood. It is often seen in patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

• Ensure documentation explicitly identifies Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent; otherwise, use a more general peritonitis code.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying conditions contributing to the peritonitis, such as ascites or liver disease.
• Do not confuse with other forms of bacterial peritonitis where the specific organism is not pneumococcal.