Necrotizing Fasciitis ICD-10-CM Codes

Is the Necrotizing Fasciitis ICD code billable? 

Yes, M72.6: Necrotizing fasciitis is billable. 

Clinical information

• Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue disorder that's also a life-threatening condition caused by flesh-eating bacteria like streptococcus, E. coli, enterococci, and staphylococcus aureus that targets or affects connective tissue, specifically the fascia.
• Those at risk of developing this infection have an open wound that has been in contact with dirt or bacteria. To add, those who are diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, obesity, and diabetes and use alcohol or drugs often increase their risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis. 
• Some common symptoms are pain beyond the wound, a high fever, rapid heartbeat, skin blisters, grayish liquid from the wound, pus-filled bumps, a hot-to-the-touch area around the wound, and a sore that won't heal. 
• To diagnose necrotizing fasciitis, the practitioner will take the patient's medical and travel history as well as conduct imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsy. 
• Common treatments include surgery to remove the infected tissue, antibiotics/antifungal medication, tetanus shot, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

Synonyms include

• Necrotizing fasciitis caused by microorganisms
• Necrotizing fasciitis with gangrene
• Neonatal necrotizing fasciitis
• Polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis
• Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis