Bacterial enteritis, unspecified

This code represents an inflammatory condition of the intestines caused by bacterial pathogens, where the specific type of bacteria is not documented. It signifies a general bacterial infection leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. This diagnosis is used when a definitive bacterial agent has not been identified or specified by the provider.

Apply this code when documentation indicates "bacterial enteritis" without further specification of the causative organism (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella). This is appropriate when a stool culture was not performed, was negative for common pathogens, or the results are pending and the provider has made a clinical diagnosis of bacterial origin. Use when the physician explicitly states "bacterial enteritis, unspecified."

• Avoid using this code if a specific bacterial pathogen is identified (e.g., Salmonella enteritis). Look for more specific codes within the 003-008 range.
• Do not use for viral, parasitic, or non-infectious enteritis. Ensure the documentation explicitly points to a bacterial etiology.
• Consider sequencing with dehydration (276.5x) if documented as an associated condition.