Sepsis of newborn due to unspecified streptococci

This code identifies a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in a neonate caused by an unspecified type of Streptococcus bacteria. It signifies a severe infection affecting the newborn's bloodstream, requiring immediate medical intervention.

This code is appropriate when a newborn presents with signs and symptoms of sepsis, and laboratory cultures confirm the presence of Streptococcus as the causative agent, but the specific species (e.g., Group B, Group A) is not documented. Documentation should clearly indicate "sepsis of newborn" and "streptococcal infection, unspecified."

• Do not use this code if the specific streptococcal species is identified; instead, use a more precise code from P36.0 or P36.1.
• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the reason for the admission.
• Ensure documentation supports the newborn status (age 0-28 days) for appropriate code assignment.