Bacteriuria

This code represents the presence of bacteria in the urine, detected through laboratory analysis, without necessarily indicating an active infection or symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). It signifies a positive urine culture for bacteria in an asymptomatic individual.

Use this code when documentation indicates asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), often discovered incidentally during routine urinalysis or screening. This is frequently seen in pregnant patients, diabetics, or individuals with indwelling catheters who have bacteria in their urine but no signs or symptoms of a UTI.

• Do not use this code if the patient has symptoms of a urinary tract infection; instead, code the specific UTI (e.g., N39.0 for UTI, site unspecified).
• Always review the medical record to confirm the absence of symptoms before assigning this code.
• This code may be a secondary diagnosis when the primary reason for the encounter is unrelated to the bacteriuria.