L73.2 - Hidradenitis suppurativa

Clinical Definition

Bacterial tracheitis is an acute bacterial infection of the tracheal mucosa, characterized by purulent secretions and subglottic narrowing. It often follows a viral upper respiratory infection and can cause significant airway obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

• Acuity

  • Specify acute vs. chronic

  • Document duration of symptoms

• Causative Organism

  • Identify specific bacteria if cultured (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae)

  • Note if culture results are pending

• Clinical Findings

  • Document presence of purulent secretions

  • Note any respiratory distress or stridor

  • Record oxygen saturation levels

• Treatment

  • Specify antibiotic therapy initiated

  • Document any airway interventions needed

Common Synonyms

• Bacterial infection of windpipe

• Bacterial laryngotracheitis

• Purulent tracheitis

• Infectious croup (though technically different)

Coding Conflicts

Excludes1:

• Viral tracheitis (J04.1)

• Acute laryngotracheitis (J04.2)

• Acute tracheitis with obstruction (J04.1)

Excludes2:

• Chronic tracheitis (J42)

• Diphtheritic tracheitis (A36.81)

Scribing.io Automation

The AI scribe automatically identifies:

• Keywords indicating bacterial etiology

• Documented physical exam findings specific to tracheitis

• Culture results and sensitivity reports

• Treatment plan elements including antibiotic choices

• Distinguishes between viral and bacterial presentations based on clinical descriptors

The system flags missing elements needed for proper coding, such as:

• Unspecified causative organisms

• Incomplete documentation of acuity

• Missing treatment response documentation