2025 ICD-10-CM code A49.02
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of an unspecified site.
Medical necessity for the use of this code relates to the need to identify and treat an active MRSA infection.Documentation should demonstrate the clinical signs and symptoms necessitating treatment.
Physicians use this code when a patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with an MRSA infection, but the specific location isn't identified.This might involve lab tests like blood cultures, wound cultures, or other diagnostic studies. Treatment typically includes alternative antibiotics to which the MRSA strain is susceptible. Supportive care may be necessary depending on the severity of the infection.
In simple words: This code indicates a staph infection that is resistant to common antibiotics like methicillin. The exact location of the infection is unknown.
This code represents an infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria.It is used when the specific site of the infection is not documented or unknown.MRSA infections are resistant to methicillin and other related antibiotics, making them more challenging to treat.
Example 1: A patient presents with fever, chills, and general malaise. Blood cultures are positive for MRSA, but there is no clear source of infection., A post-surgical patient develops a fever.Wound cultures grow MRSA, but the infection appears localized to the surgical site.A more specific code for the surgical site infection would be appropriate in this case, however, if the physician documents only MRSA infection without specific site, then A49.02 is appropriate., An individual with a history of recurrent skin infections presents with a new area of redness and swelling.The physician suspects MRSA, but further testing is pending. The physician may choose to document and use A49.02 while awaiting confirmation and site specificity.
Documentation should support the diagnosis of MRSA infection.This might include positive cultures, clinical findings, and response to treatment. While the site is not specified with this code, it's crucial to document all signs, symptoms, and investigation results.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, General Practice, Hospitalists
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Facility