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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J09-J18
  5. Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified (J15)

Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified (J15)

ICD-10 code section J15 identifies bacterial pneumonia types that do not fit into other specific categories. It includes detailed subcodes for pneumonia caused by distinct bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus (including resistant types), Streptococcus groups, Escherichia coli, and various other Gram-negative and specified bacteria.

This section helps medical coders specify the exact bacterial cause of pneumonia, improving diagnosis clarity and treatment tracking. For example, infections commonly called Staphylococcal pneumonia or bronchopneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae correspond to codes J15.0 and J15.20 respectively. The codes also account for important distinctions such as pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant versus methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (J15.211 versus J15.212). Subcategories exist for less common bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae (J15.7) and Acinetobacter baumannii (J15.61). When the exact bacteria are unknown, J15.9 covers unspecified bacterial pneumonia cases, often linked with terms like hospital-acquired pneumonia or pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Understanding these distinctions aids accurate medical coding and patient care.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • bronchopneumonia due to bacteria other than S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae

Code First

Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.

Code Also

A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.

  • , if applicable, any associated condition such as:
  • abscess J85.1
  • aspiration pneumonia J69

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • chlamydial pneumonia J16.0
  • congenital pneumonia P23
  • Legionnaires' disease A48.1
  • spirochetal pneumonia A69.8