2025 ICD-10-CM code B96.5
Pseudomonas (aeruginosa) (mallei) (pseudomallei) as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.
Medical necessity is established by the underlying condition caused by the Pseudomonas infection. The documentation should support the diagnosis and the need for treatment.
Clinicians should use this code as a supplementary code to indicate Pseudomonas as the causative agent of a disease classified elsewhere. It is crucial to identify the primary disease and code it accordingly, followed by B96.5 to provide further detail about the infection.Antibiotic treatment is typically indicated for Pseudomonas infections, and the choice of antibiotic may depend on the specific Pseudomonas species and the location of the infection.
In simple words: This code is used when a person has an infection caused by Pseudomonas bacteria, in addition to another diagnosed disease.It helps specify the bacteria causing the infection, which is important for treatment decisions. It is not used as the main diagnosis but provides additional information about the infection.
This code identifies Pseudomonas bacteria (P. aeruginosa, P. mallei, and P. pseudomallei) as the cause of a disease classified elsewhere. Use this code in conjunction with other code(s) identifying the disease(s) or condition(s). This code should not be used as the first-listed or principal diagnosis but should follow the disease or condition code(s).
Example 1: A patient with cystic fibrosis (J45.5) develops pneumonia. Cultures identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the causative organism. Both J45.5 and B96.5 should be coded, with J45.5 as the principal diagnosis., A patient with diabetes (E11.9) develops a foot ulcer that becomes infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Both E11.9 and B96.5 are coded, with the diabetes code sequenced first., A hospitalized patient develops a urinary tract infection (N89.0) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both N89.0 and B96.5 are reported, with the UTI coded as the principal diagnosis.
Documentation should clearly state the diagnosis for which Pseudomonas is identified as the causative agent. Lab reports confirming the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. mallei, or P. pseudomallei are necessary for accurate coding.
** Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-).
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Critical Care
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Nursing Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Health