Discover free eBooks, guides and med spa templates on our new resources page

Book a demo
☰
Why us
ICD Hub / Certain infectious or parasitic diseases (A00–B99) / 1A04 - Intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 1A04 - Intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
Use Code

Understanding Intestinal Infections due to Clostridioides difficile

Intestinal infections due to *Clostridioides difficile* (ICD-11 code 1A04) represent a condition affecting the colon, primarily caused by infection with toxigenic strains of the bacterium *Clostridioides difficile*. This infection is characterised by inflammation of the colon (colitis), diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. Transmission typically occurs through direct or indirect contact. A common predisposing factor is a disruption of the normal bacterial flora within the colon, often due to antibiotic treatment, which allows *Clostridioides difficile* to proliferate and cause illness. Confirmation of the infection is achieved through the identification of the bacteria in a faecal sample.

Factors Contributing to C. difficile Infections

The primary cause of this condition is infection with *Clostridioides difficile* bacteria. These infections frequently arise after the use of antibiotic medications, which can eliminate beneficial gut bacteria, allowing *C. difficile* to overgrow. While anyone can contract a *C. difficile* infection, it most commonly affects older adults, particularly those in hospital or long-term care settings. Certain factors can increase an individual's risk, including the use of specific antibiotics such as clindamycin, cephalosporins, penicillins, and fluoroquinolones, as well as proton pump inhibitors. Hospitalisation, serious underlying illnesses, procedures on the digestive tract, and a history of *C. difficile* infection also elevate the risk.

Recognising the Signs of C. difficile

Symptoms of *Clostridioides difficile* infection typically manifest within five to ten days of commencing antibiotic therapy, though they can appear as early as the first day or up to three months later. Mild to moderate cases often present with watery diarrhoea occurring three or more times daily for over a day, accompanied by mild abdominal cramping and tenderness. Severe infections can lead to more extreme symptoms, including diarrhoea up to 10-15 times a day, severe abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, dehydration, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, a swollen abdomen, and weight loss. In some severe instances, blood or pus may be present in the stool.

Diagnostic Approaches for C. diff

The definitive diagnosis of *Clostridioides difficile* infection relies on laboratory confirmation. This involves the identification of *Clostridioides difficile* bacteria within a faecal sample provided by the patient. Clinical presentation, including symptoms such as persistent watery diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal discomfort, guides the decision to perform diagnostic testing.

Alternative Names for Clostridioides difficile Infections

Intestinal infections due to *Clostridioides difficile* are known by several other terms in clinical practice and common language. These include *C. difficile* infection, *C. diff* infection, *Clostridium difficile* diarrhoea, colitis due to *Clostridium difficile*, *C. diff* colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, and *Clostridium difficile* associated diarrhoea (CDAD).

Coding and Documentation for ICD-11 1A04

The official ICD-11 code for this condition is 1A04, with the description "Intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile". This code is used for accurate medical record-keeping and billing. Documentation may also include synonyms such as pseudomembranous colitis or CDAD. For enhanced specificity, postcoordination with other relevant codes, such as those indicating drug-related harm, may be applied. This ICD-11 code for *Clostridioides difficile* infection is essential for precise reporting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile?
1A04 is the ICD-11 code for intestinal infections caused by Clostridioides difficile. It encompasses conditions such as pseudomembranous colitis.
How can specific details be added to the 1A04 code?
Post-coordination with stem and/or extension codes allows for the addition of detail to the 1A04 classification, such as specifying manifestations or associated conditions.
How are associated conditions, like those related to medication, coded with 1A04?
Conditions associated with 1A04, including those resulting from the therapeutic use of drugs or medicaments, can be specified using post-coordination.
What is the scope of the 1A04 classification regarding related conditions?
1A04 includes intestinal infections due to Clostridioides difficile and pseudomembranous colitis. Necrotising enterocolitis of the newborn is excluded from this classification.
Can the temporal pattern of an intestinal infection due to Clostridioides difficile be coded?
Yes, the temporal pattern, such as intermittent or persistent, can be specified for 1A04 using post-coordination extension codes.
×