Sepsis of newborn due to unspecified streptococci
ICD-10 P36.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sepsis of newborn due to unspecified streptococci.
Sepsis in newborns is a serious condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, which can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. In cases of sepsis due to unspecified streptococci, the causative organism is not clearly identified, but it is often associated with Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common bacterium found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy adults. Newborns can acquire GBS during delivery, leading to early-onset sepsis within the first week of life. Symptoms may include lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, and temperature instability. Other bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, can also cause sepsis in neonates, particularly in preterm infants or those with low birth weight. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood cultures, and treatment involves prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Early recognition and management are crucial to improving outcomes in affected newborns.
Detailed clinical notes including vital signs, laboratory results, and treatment plans are essential for accurate coding.
Common scenarios include a preterm infant presenting with respiratory distress and lethargy, requiring sepsis workup and management in the NICU.
Neonatologists must ensure that all relevant clinical data is documented to support the diagnosis of sepsis.
Pediatricians should document any history of maternal infection, delivery complications, and the infant's clinical course.
Pediatric scenarios may involve follow-up care for a newborn discharged after treatment for sepsis.
Consideration of the infant's growth and development post-sepsis is important for ongoing care.
Used when a newborn with sepsis requires intensive monitoring and management in the NICU.
Documentation must include time spent, clinical condition, and interventions performed.
Neonatologists should ensure that all critical care services are well-documented to support billing.
Common symptoms include lethargy, poor feeding, temperature instability, respiratory distress, and irritability. Early recognition is crucial for effective management.
