2025 ICD-10-CM code A04.0
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection.
Medical necessity for diagnosing and treating EPEC is established by the presence of clinical symptoms of gastroenteritis and laboratory confirmation of EPEC infection.The severity of the infection, such as presence of bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and patient age (infants and young children are particularly vulnerable) determine the medical necessity of antibiotic treatment.
Physicians diagnose EPEC infections through stool sample analysis and manage the illness by focusing on rehydration therapy, often recommending oral or intravenous fluids. In severe cases, especially with complications like dehydration or seizures, they prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment based on culture and sensitivity results.
In simple words: EPEC is a type of E. coli bacteria that causes diarrhea, mainly in babies and young children. It's spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach aches, fever, and throwing up.Doctors can test for it by checking a poop sample. Treatment usually involves drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and sometimes antibiotics if the case is severe.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, often contracted through contaminated food or water, causes gastroenteritis and diarrhea, primarily affecting infants and young children. Symptoms include watery diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach pain, fever, vomiting, and dehydration.Diagnosis involves laboratory testing of stool samples. Treatment includes rehydration therapy and antibiotics in severe cases.
Example 1: A 6-month-old infant presents with watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Stool sample confirms EPEC infection. The infant is treated with oral rehydration solution and recovers within a week., A 2-year-old child experiences severe bloody diarrhea and dehydration after consuming contaminated food. EPEC infection is diagnosed. The child requires intravenous fluids and antibiotic therapy due to the severity of the symptoms., An adult traveler develops persistent diarrhea after drinking contaminated water in a developing country. Stool culture reveals EPEC infection.The adult is treated with rehydration and antibiotics, with symptoms resolving gradually.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms (diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration), stool culture results confirming EPEC, type of rehydration therapy (oral or intravenous), and antibiotic treatment details if applicable.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home