A04.0 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code. Accurate coding of A04.0 ensures proper diagnosis, effective treatment, and correct reimbursement.
This guide provides details of its use, official guidelines, and historical background.
ICD-10-CM Code for Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection
The ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection is A04.0.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that adheres to intestinal epithelial cells and causes diarrhea.
Proper documentation using A04.0 ensures patients receive appropriate care and enables accurate healthcare reimbursement.
Synonyms
- E coli enteropathogenic enteritis
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli gastrointestinal tract infection
History Background of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A04.0
The ICD-9-CM system, first introduced in 1979, provided the initial framework for coding diseases and health-related conditions in the United States.
The ICD-9-CM Diagnosis code for Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection is 008.01. This coding remained consistent from 1979 to 2015.
While the ICD-9-CM system offered a basic approach to disease classification, modern healthcare needs more detail and specificity.
To address this, the ICD-10-CM system was launched in 2015, introducing a more comprehensive and accurate coding structure.
The transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM significantly improved the ability to document and analyze conditions caused by Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection.
The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM A04.0 became effective on October 1, 2024.
| YEAR | CODE | DESCRIPTION |
| 2020 | A04.0 | No Change |
| 2021 | A04.0 | No Change |
| 2022 | A04.0 | No Change |
| 2023 | A04.0 | No Change |
| 2024 | A04.0 | No Change |
| 2025 | A04.0 | No Change |
Symptoms of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection
- Watery or sometimes bloody diarrhea
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pains and cramps
- Fatigue
Symptoms can appear within 9–12 hours after exposure to the bacteria. Children younger than 1 year old are most commonly affected by EPEC.
How EPEC Infection is Caused
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is caused by the ingestion of the EPEC bacteria, which can be spread through many ways, including:
- Contaminated food or water
- Person-to-person contact
- Touching contaminated objects
Other ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes in A04
ICD-10-CM code A04 | Other bacterial intestinal infections has following sub categories including A04.0 :
- A04 Other bacterial intestinal infections
- A04.0 Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection
- A04.1 Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection
- A04.2 Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli infection
- A04.3 Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection
- A04.4 Other intestinal Escherichia coli infections
- A04.5 Campylobacter enteritis
- A04.6 Enteritis due to Yersinia enterocolitica
- A04.7 Enterocolitis due to Clostridium difficile
- A04.71 recurrent
- A04.72 not specified as recurrent
- A04.8 Other specified bacterial intestinal infections
- A04.9 Bacterial intestinal infection, unspecified
Final Thoughts
Proper coding of A04.0 is vital for diagnosing and managing Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and coding guidelines ensures accurate documentation and better patient care. This code supports effective healthcare management and ensures proper reimbursement.
