Shigella dysenteriae

This code represents bacillary dysentery specifically caused by Shigella dysenteriae, a severe form of shigellosis characterized by bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It indicates a confirmed infection with this particular species of Shigella bacteria.

Use this code when the medical record explicitly documents a diagnosis of dysentery or shigellosis, and laboratory confirmation identifies Shigella dysenteriae as the causative organism. Documentation should specify the pathogen to differentiate it from other Shigella species or general infectious gastroenteritis.

• Ensure documentation specifies Shigella dysenteriae and not just "Shigella" or "shigellosis" to use this specific code.
• Do not use this code for other types of shigellosis (e.g., S. flexneri, S. sonnei) which have different ICD-9-CM codes.
• Consider additional codes for associated symptoms or complications, such as dehydration or hemolytic-uremic syndrome, if documented.