T86.822 Skin graft (allograft) (autograft) infection

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Skin Graft Infection
- ICD-10 Code: T86.822

#### Summary
Skin graft infections occur when bacteria or other pathogens invade the area of a skin graft, potentially compromising the graft itself. This can happen with both allografts (from a donor) and autografts (from the patient's own body).

#### Causes
Infections can be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa that invade the wound site. Other factors include poor hygiene, contamination during dressing changes, or existing skin conditions.

#### Risk Factors
- Having a weakened immune system 
- Poor wound care or hygiene
- Previous skin infections 
- Large or complex graft sites 
- Diabetes or other chronic health conditions

#### Symptoms
- Redness or warmth around the graft site
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Pus or discharge
- Fever

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the graft site 
- Culturing any discharge to identify the bacterial strain 
- Blood tests if systemic infection is suspected

#### Treatment Options
- **Antibiotics**: Oral or intravenous, depending on the severity.
- **Wound care**: Proper cleaning and dressing of the graft site.
- **Surgical intervention**: In severe cases, removal of infected tissue or replacement of the graft may be necessary.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With prompt treatment, most skin graft infections can be effectively managed. Regular follow-up is crucial to ensure the infection clears and to monitor the health of the graft.

#### Complications
- Delayed healing or graft failure
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body
- Chronic pain or scarring

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintain proper wound hygiene
- Follow dressing change protocols carefully
- Monitor blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
- Follow a healthy diet to support healing

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek immediate medical attention if there is persistent fever, increasing pain, or spreading redness around the graft site.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org)
- [Wound Healing Society](http://www.woundheal.org)
- [Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify the type of graft (allograft or autograft) to ensure accurate coding.
- Beware of coding for the post-surgical status or wound dressing in addition to T86.822 if appropriate.
- Double-check associated complications or secondary infections that need separate codes.

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