Sepsis following a procedure, subsequent encounter

This code signifies a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by an infection that developed as a complication of a surgical or medical procedure. It indicates that the patient is receiving active treatment for the sepsis during this encounter, following the initial diagnosis.

Apply this code when a patient presents for ongoing management of sepsis that was directly linked to a prior operative or invasive procedure. This includes situations where the patient is admitted for treatment of the sepsis or is seen in an outpatient setting for follow-up care related to the septic condition.

• Always sequence this code after the code identifying the specific type of sepsis (e.g., A41.9 for unspecified sepsis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the sepsis to a preceding procedure and indicates active treatment for the septic process.
• Do not use this code for the initial encounter where the sepsis was first diagnosed; use the "initial encounter" seventh character for that instance.