A04.3 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code. Accurate documentation of A04.3 facilitates proper diagnosis, effective management, and correct reimbursement.
This guide outlines its use, official coding guidelines, and historical background.
ICD-10-CM Code for Enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection
The ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infection is A04.3.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection is a severe bacterial illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, often resulting in bloody diarrhea and complications.
Proper documentation using A04.3 ensures patients receive appropriate care and enables accurate healthcare reimbursement.
Synonyms
- E coli enterohemorrhagic enteritis
- Verotoxigenic escherichia coli gastrointestinal tract infection
History Background of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A04.3
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 Enterohemorrhagic E. coli is 008.04. 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 Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.
The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM A04.3 became effective on October 1, 2024.
| YEAR | CODE | DESCRIPTION |
| 2020 | A04.3 | No Changed |
| 2021 | A04.3 | No Changed |
| 2022 | A04.3 | No Changed |
| 2023 | A04.3 | No Changed |
| 2024 | A04.3 | No Changed |
| 2025 | A04.3 | No Changed |
Symptoms of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) include:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Diarrhea, which may become bloody (hemorrhagic colitis)
- Vomiting
- Fever, which may be low-grade or absent
- Fatigue
- Nausea
How Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is caused
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is caused by:
- contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, or contaminated vegetables and fruit.
- swimming in or drinking water that has been contaminated with EHEC.
- EHEC can be acquired by direct contact with animal carriers, their feces, or contaminated soil.
EHEC produces Shiga toxins, which are the primary cause of hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans.
Other ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes in A04
ICD-10-CM code A04 | Other bacterial intestinal infections has following sub categories including A04.3 :
- 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 A04.3 is vital for diagnosing and managing Enterohemorrhagic 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.
