Infectious colitis, enteritis, and gastroenteritis

This code identifies inflammation of the colon, small intestine, and/or stomach due to an infectious agent. It encompasses conditions like bacterial, viral, or parasitic gastroenteritis that manifest with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Assign this code when documentation specifies an infectious etiology for colitis, enteritis, or gastroenteritis. Common scenarios include food poisoning, viral stomach flu, or parasitic infections causing acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Ensure the physician's notes clearly indicate an infectious cause rather than non-infectious inflammatory bowel conditions.

• Differentiate from non-infectious inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), which are coded elsewhere.
• Look for specific pathogens if identified (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) to determine if a more specific code within the 001-008 range is applicable.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.