A41. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
When sepsis is present on admission and due to a localized infection (not a device or post procedural), the sepsis code is sequenced first followed by the code for the localized infection.
Overview. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues. When the infection-fighting processes turn on the body, they cause organs to function poorly and abnormally. Sepsis may progress to septic shock.
Chapter-specific guidelines state, “First code for the underlying systemic infection, followed by R65. 21, septic shock. If the causal organism is not documented, assign code A41. 9, sepsis, unspecified organism, for the infection.
Coding sepsis requires a minimum of two codes: a code for the systemic infection (e.g., 038. xx) and the code 995.91, SIRS due to infectious process without organ dysfunction. If no causal organism is documented within the medical record, query the physician or assign code 038.9, Unspecified septicemia.
Per protocol, Code Sepsis is activated in patients who meet two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria due to a suspected infection to allow for early implementation of the sepsis bundle, which includes laboratory testing, fluid resuscitation, and antibiotic administration (Figure 1).
ANSWER: Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection. It often triggers various symptoms, including high fever, elevated heart rate and fast breathing. If sepsis goes unchecked, it can progress to septic shock — a severe condition that occurs when the body's blood pressure falls and organs shut down.
ICD-10 code R65. 21 for Severe sepsis with septic shock is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified .
In ICD-10 sepsis is currently classified as a condition due to bacteria when it can also be due to viruses, fungi or protozoa.
ICD-10-CM Code for Sepsis, unspecified organism A41. 9.
Severe sepsis – Code first the underlying systemic infection, such as 038.0 (Streptococcal septicemia), then code 995.92 for severe sepsis, and finally code the specific type of organ failure, such as 584.9 for acute renal failure.
According to AHA Coding Clinic® (Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 4), when a patient has SIRS and a localized infection, sepsis can no longer be coded and an ICD-10-CM code for sepsis cannot be assigned unless the physician specifically documents sepsis.
The coding of severe sepsis requires a minimum of two codes: first a code for the underlying systemic infection, followed by a code from subcategory R65. 2, Severe sepsis. If the causal organism is not documented, assign code A41.
Sepsis as Principal Diagnosis Is sepsis always sequenced as the principal diagnosis when it is present on admission? Some may say yes, because after all, that's what is stated in the official coding guidelines. However, my answer to this question is no, not always.
(Septic shock cannot occur without sepsis and severe sepsis being present). You would need to add codes for the underlying condition (local infection) as well as codes for the organ dysfunction resulting from the sepsis that support the presence of severe sepsis.
9, Encounter for screening, unspecified. Certain Z codes may only be reported as the principal/first listed diagnosis. Ex: Z03. -, Encounter for medical observation for suspected diseases and conditions ruled out; Z34.