Sepsis following complete or unsp spontaneous abortion

This code signifies a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection, occurring after a complete or unspecified spontaneous termination of pregnancy. It indicates a severe infectious complication directly attributable to the miscarriage event.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states sepsis or septic shock as a complication following a complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion. Supporting documentation should include evidence of infection (e.g., positive cultures, fever, leukocytosis) and signs of organ dysfunction.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies a septic or septicopyemic embolism; refer to the Excludes1 note.
• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between a threatened, inevitable, incomplete, or missed abortion, as this code is specific to complete or unspecified spontaneous abortions.