Gram-negative sepsis, unspecified

This code signifies a severe, life-threatening systemic inflammatory response to an infection caused by an unspecified Gram-negative bacterium. It indicates a generalized infection that has spread throughout the body, leading to organ dysfunction.

Use this code when the patient presents with signs and symptoms of sepsis, and laboratory or clinical evidence points to a Gram-negative organism as the causative agent, but the specific bacterial species is not identified or documented. This code is appropriate when the provider explicitly diagnoses "Gram-negative sepsis, unspecified."

• Always sequence sepsis codes as the principal diagnosis when it is the reason for admission, followed by codes for any associated organ dysfunction.
• Avoid using this code if the specific Gram-negative organism is identified; instead, use a more specific code from the A41 category (e.g., A41.51 for Escherichia coli sepsis).
• Ensure documentation clearly supports sepsis and the Gram-negative nature of the infection, even if the specific organism is unknown.