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B95.7
ICD-10-CM
Staph epidermidis

Find comprehensive information on Staph epidermidis infections, including clinical manifestations, diagnosis codes (ICD-10), microbiology lab tests, and treatment options. Learn about coagulase-negative Staphylococci, bloodstream infections, catheter-related infections, and the role of biofilm formation in Staph epidermidis. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on proper documentation, infection control, and antibiotic susceptibility testing for accurate medical coding and optimal patient care.

Also known as

Staphylococcus epidermidis
S. epidermidis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A common skin bacteria, usually harmless, but can cause infections, especially with medical devices.
  • Clinical Signs : Redness, swelling, pain, pus around catheters, implants, or surgical sites. Can cause fever.
  • Common Settings : Hospitals, healthcare facilities, patients with indwelling medical devices like catheters or prosthetic joints.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC B95.7 Coding
B95.8

Other bacterial agents as the cause

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a bacterial agent.

A41.01

Sepsis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis

Covers sepsis specifically caused by this bacteria.

T81.4XXA

Infection following infusion, transfus

S. epidermidis can cause infections after procedures.

L03.211

Cellulitis of other parts of limb, staph

This bacteria can cause cellulitis in limbs.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is Staph epidermidis infection present?

  • Yes

    Is the infection localized?

  • No

    Do not code Staph epidermidis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Staph skin infection
Staph bloodstream infection
Prosthetic joint infection

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document site of infection (e.g., blood, wound)
  • Confirm with lab culture: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus
  • Specify antibiotic susceptibility results
  • Document patient's clinical presentation (signs/symptoms)
  • Note any relevant indwelling devices/foreign bodies

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Coagulase Negative Staph

    Coding for CoNS without specifying S. epidermidis when documented can lead to inaccurate reporting and DRG assignment.

  • Contamination vs Infection

    Miscoding contamination as infection increases SOI and impacts reimbursement. CDI must clarify clinical significance.

  • Device-Related Infection

    Failing to code the presence of a device with S. epidermidis infection misses secondary diagnoses and impacts quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Ensure accurate specimen collection, source documentation for proper ICD-10-CM/PCS coding (e.g., site, method).
  • Differentiate colonization vs. infection. Document clinical indicators (fever, inflammation) for CDI, Z codes if colonized.
  • Follow CLSI guidelines for susceptibility testing, document results, and adjust treatment for antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Implement infection control measures (hand hygiene, aseptic technique) to prevent transmission, document compliance.
  • For prosthetic devices/implants, specify type and location in documentation for accurate coding and compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm coagulase-negative staph
  • Verify culture source (e.g., catheter)
  • Check for biofilm, foreign body
  • Evaluate for relevant symptoms
  • Consider contaminant vs. infection

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Staph epidermidis reimbursement: Coding accuracy crucial for appropriate MS-DRG assignment impacting hospital payments.
  • Quality metrics impact: Staph epidermidis infection rates affect hospital-acquired infection reporting and value-based purchasing.
  • Coding: Accurate differentiation between contamination and true infection is vital for proper reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Hospital reporting: Surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance impacts publicly reported data and hospital performance scores.

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 S. epidermidis infection site
  • Confirm coagulase-negative staph
  • Document device involvement
  • Check for bacteremia signs
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of a coagulase-negative staphylococcal infection, specifically concerning for Staphylococcus epidermidis.  Clinical presentation includes [localized infection site, e.g., surgical site, catheter site, indwelling medical device] with [observed signs and symptoms, e.g., erythema, warmth, tenderness, purulent drainage, fever].  Differential diagnosis includes other common skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, abscess, and surgical site infection caused by other bacterial pathogens.  Given the suspected Staphylococcus epidermidis infection, laboratory tests, including culture and sensitivity from the affected site, have been ordered to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.  Preliminary treatment with [mention empiric antibiotic therapy if initiated, e.g., vancomycin] has been initiated pending culture results.  Patient risk factors for this infection include [list relevant risk factors, e.g., recent surgery, presence of indwelling medical devices, immunocompromised state].  Patient education provided on infection prevention measures, including proper wound care and hand hygiene.  Plan to adjust antibiotic therapy based on culture and sensitivity results and monitor patient response to treatment closely.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to reassess clinical status.  ICD-10 code [appropriate code based on infection site and type, e.g., T82.8XXA for infection due to indwelling device] and CPT codes for related procedures, such as [relevant CPT codes, e.g., incision and drainage if performed] will be documented.  This documentation supports medical necessity for diagnostic testing and treatment provided.