Learn about Staphylococcus epidermidis infection diagnosis, including clinical manifestations, laboratory identification, ICD-10 codes (e.g., A49.01, other specified staphylococcal infections), and SNOMED CT concepts. This resource provides information for healthcare professionals on documenting, coding, and managing S. epidermidis infections, covering coagulase-negative staphylococci, bloodstream infections, and device-related infections. Find guidance on appropriate antibiotic treatment and infection prevention strategies for healthcare settings.
Also known as
Staphylococcal infection, unspecified
Infection due to Staphylococcus, not otherwise specified.
Other bacterial agents as the cause of diseases
Diseases classified elsewhere but caused by other bacterial agents.
Infection following a procedure
Infection following a procedure, initial encounter.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the S. epidermidis infection localized?
Yes
Specify site of infection.
No
Is it systemic/bacteremia?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Staph epidermidis infection |
| Staph aureus infection |
| Streptococcal infection |
Coding S. epidermidis without specifying the infection site leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement. Use site-specific codes.
Failing to code device association when S. epidermidis is related to a device (e.g., catheter) impacts quality metrics and data accuracy.
Not documenting or coding methicillin resistance (MRSE) status affects treatment and infection control tracking. Clarify susceptibility.
Q: How to differentiate Staphylococcus epidermidis contamination from true infection in blood cultures?
A: Differentiating Staphylococcus epidermidis contamination from true bacteremia can be challenging. Consider the following factors: Multiple positive blood cultures, especially from separate venipunctures, strongly suggest true infection. Clinical symptoms consistent with infection, such as fever, chills, hypotension, or localized signs of infection at a catheter site, further support the diagnosis. In contrast, a single positive blood culture with no accompanying symptoms is more likely due to contamination, especially if the organism is isolated from a peripheral venipuncture. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, including S. epidermidis, are common skin commensals and frequent contaminants in blood cultures. Microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing are crucial, as true infections require targeted antimicrobial therapy. Explore how repeat blood cultures and clinical correlation can enhance diagnostic accuracy. Consider implementing best practices for aseptic blood collection technique to minimize contamination rates.
Q: What are the recommended treatment options for Staphylococcus epidermidis prosthetic joint infection?
A: Staphylococcus epidermidis prosthetic joint infection (PJI) often requires a multi-faceted approach. Due to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, treatment typically involves both surgical and antimicrobial interventions. Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) may be considered in early or less severe infections. One- or two-stage revision arthroplasty is often necessary, especially in chronic or complex cases. Antibiotic therapy is guided by culture and susceptibility testing, with vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or rifampin often used. The duration of antibiotic therapy is typically prolonged, often for several weeks following surgery. Learn more about biofilm-active antibiotics and their role in managing PJI. Consider implementing peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis protocols to minimize infection risk in joint replacement surgery.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of a Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Presenting complaints include localized erythema, warmth, tenderness, and possible purulent drainage. The suspected infection site is [Specify location, e.g., surgical wound, intravenous catheter site, prosthetic joint]. Onset of symptoms occurred approximately [Number] days ago. Patient's medical history includes [Relevant comorbidities, e.g., diabetes mellitus, recent surgery, immunosuppression]. Relevant medications include [List current medications]. Allergies include [List allergies]. Physical examination reveals [Detailed findings, e.g., induration, fluctuance, fever]. Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, abscess, and other bacterial infections. Preliminary diagnosis of Staphylococcus epidermidis infection is based on clinical presentation. Laboratory tests ordered include wound culture and sensitivity, complete blood count (CBC) with differential, and blood cultures if systemic infection is suspected. Treatment plan includes [Specify treatment, e.g., incision and drainage, removal of foreign body, antibiotic therapy with vancomycin, cefazolin, or other appropriate agent based on culture and sensitivity results]. Patient education provided regarding wound care, medication administration, and signs and symptoms of worsening infection. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Number] days to assess treatment response. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., T82.8XXA for infection due to indwelling medical device] and CPT codes for procedures performed [e.g., incision and drainage, 10060, 10061] will be documented for medical billing and coding purposes. Coagulase-negative staphylococcal infection, healthcare-associated infection, and antimicrobial stewardship are additional keywords relevant to this case.