Sepsis following (induced) termination of pregnancy

This code signifies a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by infection, occurring as a complication after an induced termination of pregnancy. It indicates a severe, life-threatening condition resulting from the body's overwhelming and toxic response to an infection following the procedure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states sepsis as a complication following an induced abortion. This includes cases where the patient presents with signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, elevated white blood cell count) along with evidence of organ dysfunction attributable to the infection. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the diagnosis of sepsis and its direct link to the recent induced termination.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the sepsis to an induced termination of pregnancy, not a spontaneous abortion.
• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies a septic or septicopyemic embolism; refer to the Excludes1 note.
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific organ dysfunction if applicable.