Skin graft (allograft) (autograft) infection

This code signifies an infection affecting a skin graft, regardless of whether the graft material originated from the patient's own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). The infection can manifest in various ways, from localized inflammation to systemic involvement, compromising the graft's viability and the patient's recovery.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an infection of a previously placed skin graft. This includes scenarios where the graft site shows signs of purulence, erythema, warmth, or tenderness, and cultures confirm a bacterial, fungal, or viral etiology. It is appropriate for both acute and chronic graft infections.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis indicating the underlying condition necessitating the skin graft, if applicable.
• Specify the type of infection (e.g., bacterial, fungal) with an additional code from Chapter 1 as appropriate.
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between graft infection and other graft complications, such as graft failure or rejection.