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N73.9
ICD-10-CM
Pelvic Infection

Understanding Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID diagnosis codes, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for accurate clinical documentation. This resource provides information on pelvic infection ICD-10 codes, effective treatment protocols, and common signs of pelvic inflammatory disease for healthcare professionals. Learn about pelvic infection diagnosis, including risk factors, differential diagnosis, and best practices for medical coding and documentation related to PID and other pelvic infections.

Also known as

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Infection of female reproductive organs, often from STIs or bacteria.
  • Clinical Signs : Lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse.
  • Common Settings : Gynecology clinics, emergency rooms, primary care offices.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N73.9 Coding
N70-N77

Diseases of female genital organs

Covers various infections and inflammatory conditions of the female pelvic organs.

A54-A64

Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission

Includes STIs that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

O00-O99

Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

Encompasses postpartum or pregnancy-related pelvic infections.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the pelvic infection puerperal (related to childbirth)?

  • Yes

    Is there endometritis?

  • No

    Is the infection of the uterus?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Pelvic Infection
Salpingitis
Oophoritis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pelvic infection diagnosis documentation: ICD-10 code, symptoms, exam findings
  • Document infection site: Cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries
  • Lab results: WBC, CRP, cultures. Imaging: Ultrasound, CT
  • Differential diagnosis considerations documented
  • Treatment plan: Antibiotics, pain management, surgery if needed

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Pathogen

    Coding pelvic infection without identifying the causative organism leads to inaccurate severity and treatment reflection, impacting DRG assignment.

  • Sepsis Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding sepsis complicating pelvic infection or vice-versa can affect reimbursement and quality reporting due to severity misrepresentation.

  • Post-op vs. Infection

    Distinguishing post-operative complications from new infections is crucial for accurate coding, impacting quality metrics and financial outcomes.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document pelvic pain location, type, onset for accurate ICD-10 coding (N73.9, N70.9)
  • Specific cultures, imaging crucial for compliant antibiotic Rx, CDI of pelvic infections
  • Labs (CBC, ESR, CRP) support infection diagnosis, improve CDI, justify medical necessity
  • Distinguish PID from other diagnoses (e.g., appendicitis) for accurate coding, billing
  • Thorough pelvic exam findings crucial for accurate diagnosis, coding, and compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify lower abdominal/pelvic pain documented
  • Check for fever, abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Confirm cervical motion tenderness, uterine/adnexal tenderness
  • Labs: CBC, ESR/CRP, G/C cultures ordered/reviewed
  • Consider imaging (ultrasound/CT) if diagnosis unclear

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pelvic Infection Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment and case mix index.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Sepsis bundle compliance affects hospital-acquired infection reporting.
  • Coding: N70.9, N73.6 specificity crucial for accurate POA assignment and reimbursement.
  • Metrics: Readmission rates, length of stay influenced by appropriate antibiotic selection and patient education.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most reliable diagnostic criteria for differentiating acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from other causes of lower abdominal pain in women, considering both clinical presentation and laboratory findings?

A: Diagnosing acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can be challenging due to its overlapping presentation with other conditions like appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts. The CDC recommends initiating empiric treatment for PID in sexually active women experiencing lower abdominal pain if they also exhibit one or more of the following minimum criteria: cervical motion tenderness, uterine tenderness, or adnexal tenderness. While these clinical findings are crucial, they lack specificity. Therefore, incorporating laboratory tests like an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can strengthen the diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as transvaginal ultrasound or MRI, may reveal thickened, fluid-filled fallopian tubes, supporting the diagnosis of PID. Laparoscopy, though rarely used, provides the most definitive diagnosis. Explore how a combination of clinical findings, laboratory markers, and imaging modalities contributes to accurate PID diagnosis. Consider implementing standardized diagnostic protocols to enhance early and accurate PID identification.

Q: How should I manage a patient with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) who is pregnant, considering the potential risks to both the mother and the fetus, and which antibiotic regimens are considered safe and effective in this population?

A: Managing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in pregnant patients requires careful consideration of both maternal and fetal well-being. PID during pregnancy carries significant risks, including preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal infection. Hospitalization is generally recommended for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed PID for close monitoring and intravenous antibiotic administration. Recommended antibiotic regimens for pregnant women with PID typically include a combination of clindamycin and gentamicin, or alternatively, a combination of ampicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole. These regimens are generally considered safe and effective in pregnancy, though consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended. Close follow-up after treatment completion is crucial to ensure resolution of the infection and minimize potential long-term complications, such as infertility. Learn more about the specific risks and considerations for managing PID in pregnancy to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific infection site
  • Document pelvic pain source
  • Specify acute or chronic
  • Include causative organism if known
  • Query physician for clarity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).  Presenting complaints include lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge characterized by odor or unusual color, and fever.  Patient reports experiencing dyspareunia and abnormal uterine bleeding, including intermenstrual bleeding or postcoital bleeding.  On physical examination, cervical motion tenderness (CMT), uterine tenderness, and adnexal tenderness were noted.  Differential diagnoses considered include endometriosis, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, and appendicitis.  Laboratory tests ordered include a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), urinalysis, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.  Pelvic ultrasound was performed to evaluate for the presence of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) or other pelvic pathology.  Given the clinical presentation and findings, a diagnosis of pelvic infection, likely PID, is made.  Treatment plan includes broad-spectrum antibiotics empirically targeting common causative organisms.  Patient education provided regarding safe sex practices, STI prevention, and the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to reassess symptoms and response to treatment.  Patient advised to return to the clinic or emergency department if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, such as severe pain, high fever, or vomiting.  ICD-10 code N64.0 for acute pelvic inflammatory disease and relevant Z codes for risk factors or related conditions, as appropriate, will be documented for billing and coding purposes.