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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA41.59

A41.59

Other Gram-negative sepsis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A41.59 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other gram-negative sepsis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other Gram-negative sepsis refers to a severe systemic infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria that do not fall into the more commonly identified categories such as Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae. This condition is characterized by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that can result in multi-organ dysfunction. Patients with Gram-negative sepsis often present with symptoms such as fever, chills, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. The management of this condition typically requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection. Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial in this context to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics, minimizing resistance development while effectively treating the infection. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes, as delays in therapy can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Clinicians must also monitor for potential complications, including septic shock and organ failure, which can arise from the systemic effects of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential causative organisms
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical indicators
  • Differentiation from other types of sepsis
  • Potential for multiple organ involvement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the causative organism
  • Failure to document the severity of sepsis
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical indicators for sepsis
  • Inconsistent use of sepsis protocols

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the organism identified, clinical presentation, and treatment response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and hypotension, requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the organism is specified and that the clinical criteria for sepsis are met.

Critical Care Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of ICU interventions, fluid resuscitation, and monitoring of organ function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of septic shock in the ICU with multi-organ support.

Billing Considerations

Document all interventions and patient responses to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A41.59 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, A41
  • 59 should be used when the specific Gram
  • negative organism is not identified
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis of sepsis and that all clinical criteria are met

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A41.59 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, high complexity

Clinical Scenario

Used for the initial evaluation of a patient with severe sepsis in the ICU.

Documentation Requirements

Document the complexity of the medical decision-making and the severity of the patient's condition.

Specialty Considerations

Critical care specialists should ensure that all interventions are documented.

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 differentiation of Gram-negative sepsis from other types. This specificity aids in better tracking of infection rates and outcomes, which is crucial for quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sepsis, including the differentiation of Gram-negative sepsis from other types. This specificity aids in better tracking of infection rates and outcomes, which is crucial for quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sepsis, including the differentiation of Gram-negative sepsis from other types. This specificity aids in better tracking of infection rates and outcomes, which is crucial for quality improvement initiatives.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Sepsis Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Sepsis Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between A41.59 and A41.51?

A41.59 is used for other Gram-negative sepsis when the specific organism is not identified, while A41.51 is specifically for sepsis due to Escherichia coli.