A499 - A bacterial infection that hasn't been specifically identified yet
International Classification of Diseases
What is a ICD-10 Code?
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.
Detailed Description
This code indicates that you have a bacterial infection, but the specific type of bacteria causing the infection hasn't been determined or specified. Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria enter your body and multiply, potentially causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, or localized pain and swelling. Your healthcare provider knows you have a bacterial infection (likely confirmed through lab tests), but may need additional testing to identify the exact type of bacteria involved. This code is often used when initial test results show bacterial infection but more specific testing is still pending or when the infection is being treated before complete identification.
Additional Information
This is a general diagnostic code used when bacterial infection is confirmed but the specific organism hasn't been identified. Treatment typically begins with broad-spectrum antibiotics while awaiting more specific test results. The associated lab test classification suggests diagnostic testing was performed to confirm the bacterial infection.
Category
Infectious Disease
Medical Specialty
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, or relevant specialty based on infection location
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Clinical symptoms suggesting bacterial infection
- Laboratory tests indicating bacterial presence
What to Expect After
- Antibiotic treatment as prescribed
- Follow-up appointment to monitor treatment response
- Additional testing may be needed to identify specific bacteria
- Complete full course of prescribed antibiotics
Why Understanding This Code Matters
On Your Medical Bill
This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.
For Your Health
Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.
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