RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Flu with pneumonia, with Sepsis
I agree with Robert. (Code set 038.XX is used to report BACTERIAL Sepsis). The term Sepsis 'defaults' to a bacterial sepsis.
• The statement septicemia is coded to Unspecified Septicemia (038.9) if the type of septicemia/sepsis is not more specifically noted. Note the Description found in the Tabular List as follows: OTHER BACTERIAL DISEASES (030-041) Most sepsis/septicemia is classified to category 038, with fourth & fifth digits indicating the responsible organism.
ICD provides specific 4th & 5th in the 038 Category found in the Tabular List to report specific bacteria causing sepsis/septicemia, for instance, 038.3, is used to report Septicemia Due to Anaerobes.
Also note the “Exclusion Note” in the Tabular List at Category 038.8, Other Specified Septicemia, which directs one to alternative code selections when the septicemia/sepsis is not bacterial. Other types of sepsis/septicemia are classified to another organism, such as septicemia due to:
Anthrax (022.3)
Gonococcal (098.89)
Viral (079.99)
Plague (020.2)
Also see the reference in the Index to Diseases for “septicemia, postoperative” – 998.59.
An additional code is used with the code for septicemia/sepsis for any accompanying SIRS.
Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS
Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
Sutter West Bay
633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
San Francisco, CA 94107
Cell: 415.412.9421
evanspx@sutterhealth.org
• The statement septicemia is coded to Unspecified Septicemia (038.9) if the type of septicemia/sepsis is not more specifically noted. Note the Description found in the Tabular List as follows: OTHER BACTERIAL DISEASES (030-041) Most sepsis/septicemia is classified to category 038, with fourth & fifth digits indicating the responsible organism.
ICD provides specific 4th & 5th in the 038 Category found in the Tabular List to report specific bacteria causing sepsis/septicemia, for instance, 038.3, is used to report Septicemia Due to Anaerobes.
Also note the “Exclusion Note” in the Tabular List at Category 038.8, Other Specified Septicemia, which directs one to alternative code selections when the septicemia/sepsis is not bacterial. Other types of sepsis/septicemia are classified to another organism, such as septicemia due to:
Anthrax (022.3)
Gonococcal (098.89)
Viral (079.99)
Plague (020.2)
Also see the reference in the Index to Diseases for “septicemia, postoperative” – 998.59.
An additional code is used with the code for septicemia/sepsis for any accompanying SIRS.
Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS
Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
Sutter West Bay
633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
San Francisco, CA 94107
Cell: 415.412.9421
evanspx@sutterhealth.org