Unspecified bacterial pneumonia

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma caused by bacteria, where the specific bacterial pathogen has not been identified or documented. It represents a general diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia without further microbiological specification.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, but cultures are pending, negative, or not performed, and no specific bacterial organism is documented. It is appropriate when the physician explicitly diagnoses "bacterial pneumonia, unspecified" or similar.

• Avoid using this code if a specific bacterial pathogen (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae) is identified; instead, code to the specific organism.
• Do not use this code for viral, fungal, or other non-bacterial pneumonias.
• Always review the entire medical record for more specific documentation of the causative organism before assigning this unspecified code.