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
Infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Covers various skin infections, some of which can be caused by MRSA.
Pneumonia due to MRSA
Specifically designates pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Infection following a procedure, initial encounter
Can be used if the MRSA infection is a complication of a medical procedure.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
MRSA Infection |
Staph aureus infection |
Bacterial skin infection NOS |
Coding MRSA infection without specifying the infected site leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement. Use appropriate site-specific codes.
Miscoding colonization as infection can inflate infection rates and trigger unnecessary interventions. Distinguish between the two using proper CDI queries.
Failing to document POA status for MRSA can impact hospital-acquired infection reporting and reimbursement. Ensure accurate POA assignment during admission.
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.