ICD-10 Code J15.5 – Pneumonia due to Escherichia coli (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J15.5 – Pneumonia due to Escherichia coli
What it is
J15.5 identifies bacterial pneumonia caused by Escherichia coli. Use it when the record clearly states E. coli as the organism responsible for the lung infection.
Clinical signs
Findings are those of pneumonia, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and abnormal chest imaging. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the confirmed causative organism.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents pneumonia due to E. coli, or when culture or other diagnostic evidence supports that organism as the cause. It is appropriate for community-acquired or healthcare-associated cases if the diagnosis specifies E. coli pneumonia.
If the chart only says pneumonia without an identified pathogen, do not assume J15.5. Check documentation for organism specificity before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pneumonia caused by another organism, viral pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, or unspecified pneumonia. Check documentation if the record does not clearly identify E. coli.
Coding tip
Assign J15.5 only when E. coli is stated as the cause; otherwise code the documented type or unspecified pneumonia.