AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2017 Issue 4; New/Revised ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes
Clostridium Difficile Enterocolitis
Code A04.7, Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile, has been expanded to distinguish recurrent (A04.71) and not specified as recurrent (A04.72). Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon. C. difficile causes antibiotic-associated colitis by colonizing the intestinal tract after normal gut flora is altered by antibiotic therapy. It is one of the most common healthcare associated infections and a significant cause of morbidity and an important cause of infectious disease death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. difficile was estimated to cause...
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Article Overview
This premium article reviews an ICD-10-CM change affecting Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and places it in the context of infection recurrence, morbidity, and guidance from major public health and gastroenterology organizations. It is intended for coding professionals and clinical documentation users who need to understand the scope of the update and the surrounding medical background without relying on the full article.
Why This Topic Matters
The topic is important because documentation for recurrent infection can affect diagnosis coding selection and supports accurate reporting of a common healthcare-associated condition.
What You Will Learn
- How the diagnosis category changed in ICD-10-CM for Clostridium difficile enterocolitis
- The broader clinical significance of recurrent infection
- How major organizations and guidelines frame recurrence in the context of CDI
- What documentation considerations are relevant when reviewing this topic
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement specialists
- Gastroenterology staff
- Infectious disease clinicians
Codes Discussed
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