2025 ICD-10-CM code A41.51
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49) 1 Feed
Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli].
Medical necessity for A41.51 is established by the presence of clinical manifestations of sepsis in a patient with a confirmed E. coli infection. The documentation should support the diagnosis of both the infection and the systemic inflammatory response.
A patient with sepsis due to E. coli can experience a range of symptoms including watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion, disorientation, cold clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Severe sepsis may lead to organ failure. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, history, physical findings, and lab tests like blood, urine, stool, skin, and vomit cultures. Treatment includes antibiotics, supportive care (oxygen, IV fluids), and sometimes surgery for abscesses or infections.
In simple words: Sepsis caused by E. coli is a serious medical condition that occurs when your body reacts strongly to an infection caused by E. coli bacteria in your blood.This can be life-threatening. You might get it from eating or drinking something contaminated or by coming into contact with something that has the bacteria on it.
Sepsis due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming immune response to toxins released by E. coli bacteria in the bloodstream. This bacteria is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water or direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
Example 1: A 50-year-old patient presents with fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure following consumption of contaminated food. Blood cultures confirm the presence of E. coli, indicating sepsis due to E. coli (A41.51)., A 2-year-old child develops severe diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Stool samples reveal E. coli, and the child's condition deteriorates, exhibiting signs of sepsis. A41.51 is coded to reflect the E. coli induced sepsis., A 70-year-old hospitalized patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by E. coli develops signs of sepsis, including fever, confusion, and hypotension. The UTI is treated, and A41.51 is coded to reflect E. coli induced sepsis.
Documentation should include evidence of E. coli infection (positive cultures from blood, urine, stool, etc.), clinical findings consistent with sepsis (e.g., fever, hypotension, tachycardia, altered mental status), and treatment provided (antibiotics, IV fluids, etc.).
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Home