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A49.02
ICD-10-CM
MRSA Infection

Learn about MRSA infection diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (e.g., A49.02, L03.114), and healthcare guidelines. Find information on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus identification, treatment, and prevention strategies for healthcare professionals. This resource covers appropriate medical coding and documentation for accurate MRSA diagnosis reporting.

Also known as

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
MRSA

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
  • Clinical Signs : Red, swollen, painful skin bumps or sores, often with pus. May cause fever or chills.
  • Common Settings : Hospitals, nursing homes, gyms, and other places with close contact.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC A49.02 Coding
A49.02

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

L00-L08

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Covers various skin infections, some of which can be caused by MRSA.

J15.21

Pneumonia due to MRSA

Specifically designates pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

T81.4XXA

Infection following a procedure, initial encounter

Can be used if the MRSA infection is a complication of a medical procedure.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the MRSA infection localized?

  • Yes

    Specify site of infection.

  • No

    Is it systemic/septicemia?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
MRSA Infection
Staph aureus infection
Bacterial skin infection NOS

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • MRSA infection diagnosis documentation
  • Confirm MRSA positive culture result
  • Document infection site specifics
  • Note systemic symptoms if present
  • Record antibiotic treatment plan
  • ICD-10 code for MRSA documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding MRSA infection without specifying the infected site leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement. Use appropriate site-specific codes.

  • Colonization vs. Infection

    Miscoding colonization as infection can inflate infection rates and trigger unnecessary interventions. Distinguish between the two using proper CDI queries.

  • Missing Present on Admission

    Failing to document POA status for MRSA can impact hospital-acquired infection reporting and reimbursement. Ensure accurate POA assignment during admission.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document MRSA risk factors: recent hospitalization, surgery, dialysis.
  • Code accurately: Use specific ICD-10 codes for MRSA infection site.
  • Obtain cultures before antibiotics: Improves CDI & antibiotic stewardship.
  • Ensure clear documentation of infection signs/symptoms for proper coding.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation lacks specificity.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify positive MRSA culture (ICD-10 A49.02)
  • 2. Confirm signs/symptoms: skin infection, abscess, pneumonia
  • 3. Check prior antibiotics use, document allergy status
  • 4. Review local resistance patterns for appropriate therapy

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • MRSA Infection reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (e.g., A49.02) and appropriate DRG assignment for optimal hospital payment.
  • Quality metrics like MRSA bloodstream infection (BSI) rates and infection control adherence impact hospital value-based purchasing reimbursements.
  • Coding errors for MRSA infection can lead to claim denials, impacting revenue cycle and hospital financial performance.
  • Proper documentation of MRSA infection treatment and outcomes is crucial for public health reporting and accurate hospital quality data.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code confirmed MRSA as A49.02
  • Document infection site precisely
  • Use additional codes for manifestations
  • Query physician for unclear diagnosis
  • Check coding guidelines for updates

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.  Presenting complaint includes [specific complaint, e.g., localized skin abscess, wound infection, pneumonia, bacteremia].  Onset of symptoms occurred [timeframe].  Patient reports [list of symptoms, e.g., fever, chills, pain, swelling, redness, purulent drainage].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., erythema, warmth, induration, fluctuance, purulent exudate at the site of infection, elevated temperature, tachycardia, hypotension].  Location of infection is documented as [specific location, e.g., left lower extremity, right upper arm, chest].  Differential diagnoses considered include cellulitis, abscess, pneumonia, sepsis, and other bacterial infections.  Laboratory tests ordered include wound culture, blood culture, complete blood count (CBC) with differential, and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).  Preliminary diagnosis of MRSA infection is made based on clinical presentation and pending culture results.  Empiric antibiotic therapy initiated with [specific antibiotic, e.g., vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin] administered [route of administration] at a dosage of [dosage] every [frequency].  Patient education provided on MRSA infection, including transmission precautions, wound care, and medication adherence.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [date] to review culture results and adjust treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., A49.02, L03.115, J15.212] is considered pending confirmatory testing.  Patient advised to return to the clinic or emergency department if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
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