Sepsis due to streptococcus, group B

This diagnosis code signifies a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by an infection with Group B Streptococcus (GBS). It indicates a severe, life-threatening condition where the body's response to the GBS infection has become dysregulated, leading to organ dysfunction.

Use this code when documentation clearly states sepsis and specifies Group B Streptococcus as the causative organism. This is frequently seen in neonates, pregnant women, and immunocompromised adults. Supporting documentation should include positive GBS cultures from blood or other sterile sites, along with clinical signs of sepsis (e.g., fever, tachycardia, altered mental status, hypotension).

• Always sequence the underlying infection (GBS sepsis) before any associated organ dysfunction codes.
• Distinguish from severe sepsis or septic shock, which require additional codes for organ dysfunction or shock.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the sepsis to Group B Streptococcus; "strep sepsis" without further specification is insufficient.