Diarrhea of presumed infectious origin

This code represents acute diarrhea where an infectious etiology is strongly suspected but not yet definitively confirmed by laboratory testing. It describes a symptomatic presentation of gastrointestinal upset characterized by frequent loose stools, often accompanied by other non-specific symptoms like abdominal cramping or nausea.

Use this code when a patient presents with acute diarrheal symptoms and the provider's clinical judgment points to an infectious cause, even if specific pathogen identification is pending or not pursued. Documentation should reflect the acute onset of diarrhea and the presumed infectious nature, often in the absence of other clear non-infectious causes.

• Do not use this code if a specific infectious agent has been identified; instead, code the specific infection (e.g., bacterial, viral, parasitic).
• Consider co-coding with dehydration (276.51) if documented, especially in pediatric or elderly patients.
• Avoid using for chronic diarrhea or diarrhea clearly attributed to non-infectious causes like medication side effects or inflammatory bowel disease.