A05.4 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code. Accurate documentation of A05.4 facilitates proper diagnosis, effective management, and correct reimbursement.
This guideline will provide the use, official coding guidelines, and historical background of A05.4.
What is the ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication?
The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication is A05.4
Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication happens when you eat food contaminated with the bacteria Bacillus cereus.
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil, water, and food. It is a spore-forming microorganism, meaning it can survive harsh conditions by forming protective spores.
While generally harmless in small amounts, some strains of Bacillus cereus can produce toxins that cause food poisoning.
There are two types of illnesses caused by Bacillus cereus:
- Diarrheal syndrome – the toxin is made inside your small intestine after you eat food that contains the bacteria or their spores.
This type of Bacillus cereus infection is the most common in the U.S. and Europe.
- Emetic syndrome – In this form of the illness, the toxin is already present in the food before you eat it.
Proper documentation using A05.4 ensures patients receive appropriate care and enables accurate healthcare reimbursement.
Synonyms
- Bacillus cereus food poisoning
- Food poisoning due to bacillus cereus
- B. cereus intoxication
- Emetic Bacillus cereus food poisoning (specific to the vomiting form)
- Diarrheal Bacillus cereus food poisoning (specific to the diarrhea form)
History Background of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A05.4
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 code 005.89 is for other bacterial food poisoning, which includes food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus.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 such as Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication.
The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM A05.4 became effective on October 1, 2024.
| Year | ICD-10-CM Code | Description |
| 2020 | A05.4 | No Change |
| 2021 | A05.4 | No Change |
| 2022 | A05.4 | No Change |
| 2023 | A05.4 | No Change |
| 2024 | A05.4 | No Change |
| 2025 | A05.4 | No Change |
Symptoms of Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication
The symptoms depend on the type of syndrome:
1. Diarrheal Syndrome:
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- No fever (typically)
Symptoms appear 6–15 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last 24 hours.
2. Emetic Syndrome:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
Symptoms appear 30 minutes to 6 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically resolve within 24 hours.
How Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication is Caused
Causes of Foodborne Bacillus cereus Intoxication
- Improper food storage:
- Foods left at room temperature for extended periods, allowing the bacteria to grow and produce toxins.
- Commonly implicated foods:
- Rice (especially fried rice)
- Pasta
- Potatoes
- Soups and sauces
- Dairy products
- Cross-contamination:
- Poor hygiene during food preparation or handling.
Other ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes in A05
ICD-10-CM code A05 | Other bacterial foodborne intoxications, not elsewhere classified has following sub categories including A05.4 :
- A05.0 Foodborne staphylococcal intoxication.
- A05.1 Botulism food poisoning.
- A05.2 Foodborne Clostridium perfringens [Clostridium welchii] intoxication.
- A05.3 Foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus intoxication.
- A05.4 Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication.
- A05.5 Foodborne Vibrio vulnificus intoxication.
- A05.8 Other specified bacterial foodborne intoxications.
- A05.9 Bacterial foodborne intoxication, unspecified.
Final Thought
Proper coding of A05.4 is essential for diagnosing and managing Foodborne Bacillus cereus intoxication. A clear understanding of its symptoms, causes, and coding guidelines ensures accurate documentation and effective treatment. Precise use of this code enhances patient care, supports healthcare planning, and guarantees proper reimbursement for medical services.
