2025 ICD-10-CM code A41.59
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases 1 Feed
Other gram-negative sepsis. This code is used for sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria not otherwise specified in the ICD-10-CM.
Medical necessity for the treatment of other gram-negative sepsis is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory confirmation of infection with gram-negative bacteria. The severity of the sepsis, including any organ dysfunction, should also be documented to justify the level of care provided.
Clinicians are responsible for diagnosing and managing other gram-negative sepsis. This involves identifying the source of infection, obtaining appropriate cultures, initiating antibiotic therapy, providing supportive care (such as fluids and oxygen), and monitoring for complications.Early recognition and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
In simple words: Other gram-negative sepsis is a serious infection in the bloodstream caused by a type of bacteria called gram-negative bacteria.These bacteria release poisons into the blood, making you very sick.Symptoms can include high fever, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, trouble breathing, and confusion.It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Other gram-negative sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection with gram-negative bacteria.These bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream, triggering a massive immune response.This condition can manifest with a range of symptoms, including fever, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and altered mental status.Severe cases can lead to organ failure and death. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation, laboratory findings (such as blood cultures), and the identification of a source of infection.
Example 1: A patient with a urinary tract infection develops fever, hypotension, and tachycardia. Blood cultures grow Escherichia coli, a gram-negative bacterium. The patient is diagnosed with other gram-negative sepsis originating from the urinary tract., A post-surgical patient develops signs of infection at the surgical site, along with systemic symptoms consistent with sepsis. Cultures identify a gram-negative organism not otherwise specified.The patient is diagnosed with A41.59, reflecting the gram-negative sepsis., An immunocompromised patient presents with fever, chills, and altered mental status. Blood cultures reveal the presence of a gram-negative bacteria.Despite the absence of an obvious localized infection, the patient is diagnosed with other gram-negative sepsis due to the systemic inflammatory response and positive blood cultures.
Documentation for A41.59 should include the following: signs and symptoms of sepsis (e.g., fever, hypotension, tachycardia, altered mental status); laboratory results, including blood cultures; source of infection, if identified; and antibiotic treatment. It’s also important to document the severity of sepsis and any organ dysfunction.
** For accurate and comprehensive coding, utilize specific codes for documented organ dysfunction or other related complications stemming from sepsis.Always ensure documentation clearly differentiates sepsis from bacteremia or other localized infections.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, critical care, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Facility, and others as applicable.