Question 1

Is T81.4 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, T81.4 is not a billable code. It is a category code that requires additional specificity. You must select a more specific code from the subcategories for billing purposes.

Question 2

What does ICD-10 code T81.4 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code T81.4 represents Infection following a procedure. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification used for medical coding and billing in the United States.

Question 3

When was ICD-10 code T81.4 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code T81.4 has been part of ICD-10-CM since 2016, when the coding system was mandated for use in the United States. This code was included in the original US implementation.

Question 4

What is the parent category for ICD-10 code T81.4?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for T81.4 is T81 (Complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions should be coded separately from T81.4?

Accepted Answer

Code T81.4 has Type 2 Excludes including: bleb associated endophthalmitis (H59.4-); infection due to infusion, transfusion and therapeutic injection (T80.2-); infection due to prosthetic devices, implants and grafts (T82.6-T82.7, T83.5-T83.6, T84.5-T84.7, T85.7) and 3 more conditions. These conditions are not included in T81.4 but can be coded together if the patient has both conditions.

Question 6

Should I use additional codes with T81.4?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when coding T81.4, consider adding codes for: code to identify infection; code (R65.2-) to identify severe sepsis, if applicable. Additional codes provide more specificity about the patient's condition.

Question 7

Does T81.4 require a 7th character extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, T81.4 requires a 7th character to specify the encounter type. Available extensions include: A (initial encounter), D (subsequent encounter), S (sequela). Use "X" as a placeholder to fill empty positions before the 7th character (e.g., T81.4XXA for initial encounter). The extension indicates whether this is an initial visit, follow-up, or treatment for a late effect.

T81.42026

Excludes241Not included here

Code Also1Consider additional code

Use Additional Code7Add code for detail

Notes3Additional information

7th Character Extensions3Encounter type specifiers