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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA40.0

A40.0

Sepsis due to streptococcus, group A

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A40.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sepsis due to streptococcus, group a.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Sepsis due to Streptococcus group A (S. pyogenes) is a severe systemic infection characterized by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to a dysregulated immune response. This condition can arise from various infections, including skin infections, pharyngitis, or pneumonia, and can progress rapidly to septic shock if not treated promptly. Patients may present with fever, chills, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. The pathophysiology involves the release of bacterial toxins and inflammatory mediators, which can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Early recognition and aggressive management, including fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics, are critical in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Antimicrobial stewardship is essential to ensure appropriate antibiotic use, minimizing resistance development while effectively treating the infection. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of intervention and the patient's underlying health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between sepsis and severe sepsis
  • Identifying the source of infection
  • Documentation of clinical criteria for sepsis
  • Understanding the nuances of group A streptococcal infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical indicators for sepsis
  • Failure to specify the source of infection
  • Misclassification of sepsis severity
  • Lack of supporting lab results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of infection, lab results, and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe infections, requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the organism and any resistance patterns.

Critical Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive ICU notes including vital signs, interventions, and response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of septic shock in critically ill patients.

Billing Considerations

Document all interventions and patient responses to justify the level of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A40.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for sepsis, ensuring that all clinical criteria are documented
  • Include any relevant lab results and specify the source of infection when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A40.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, high complexity

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients admitted with severe sepsis.

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Critical care documentation must support the level of service billed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sepsis, including the identification of the causative organism, which aids in better tracking and management of infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sepsis, including the identification of the causative organism, which aids in better tracking and management of infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sepsis, including the identification of the causative organism, which aids in better tracking and management of infections.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Sepsis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Sepsis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key indicators for coding A40.0?

Key indicators include the presence of group A streptococcus in cultures, clinical signs of sepsis, and documentation of organ dysfunction.