ICD-10 Code B96.20 – Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B96.20 – Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
What it is
This code identifies E. coli as the documented cause of another condition, such as an infection classified elsewhere. Use it when the organism is specified, but the main diagnosis is coded separately.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see signs of a bacterial infection at the primary site, with culture or provider documentation identifying E. coli as the cause.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider states that E. coli is the cause of a condition and the record supports a separate principal diagnosis. It commonly accompanies codes for urinary, gastrointestinal, or other site-specific infections. Code the underlying condition first unless documentation says otherwise.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for E. coli colonization or a suspected organism without confirmation in the record. Also avoid it when the chart does not link E. coli to a condition classified elsewhere.
Coding tip
Check the note structure carefully: this code is secondary and should support, not replace, the diagnosis for the affected site.