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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesP36.4

P36.4

Billable

Sepsis of newborn due to Escherichia coli

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 P36.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sepsis of newborn due to escherichia coli.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Sepsis in newborns due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a serious condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. E. coli is a common pathogen responsible for early-onset sepsis, particularly in preterm infants and those with low birth weight. The infection can occur during labor and delivery, often transmitted from the mother’s genitourinary tract. Clinical manifestations may include temperature instability, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, and hypotension. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood cultures and clinical evaluation. Early recognition and prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics are critical to improving outcomes. The management of E. coli sepsis may also involve supportive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including fluid resuscitation and monitoring for complications such as organ dysfunction. Understanding the risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols is essential for healthcare providers involved in neonatal care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between early-onset and late-onset sepsis
  • Identifying the specific pathogen responsible for sepsis
  • Documenting maternal risk factors and perinatal history
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and management protocols

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the causative organism
  • Misclassification of sepsis type (early vs. late onset)
  • Lack of supporting evidence for antibiotic therapy

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neonatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of clinical signs, laboratory results, and treatment protocols is essential. Include maternal history and any risk factors for infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a preterm infant presenting with lethargy and temperature instability shortly after birth, requiring immediate evaluation for sepsis.

Billing Considerations

Consider the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in managing sepsis, including infectious disease specialists and neonatologists.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a thorough history and physical examination, with emphasis on the infant's response to treatment and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Pediatric scenarios may involve follow-up care for a newborn discharged after treatment for E. coli sepsis, monitoring for developmental milestones.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coders should be aware of the long-term implications of neonatal sepsis on growth and development.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use P36.4 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for sepsis, ensuring accurate documentation of the causative organism and clinical context
  • Specific criteria for neonatal sepsis must be met, including clinical signs and laboratory confirmation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use P36.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99291CPT Code

Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill infant

Clinical Scenario

Used when a newborn with E. coli sepsis requires intensive monitoring and management in the NICU.

Documentation Requirements

Document the time spent in critical care and the complexity of medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Neonatologists should ensure that all critical care services are well-documented to support billing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal sepsis, improving the ability to track and manage infections like E. coli. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal sepsis, improving the ability to track and manage infections like E. coli. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neonatal sepsis, improving the ability to track and manage infections like E. coli. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Neonatal Sepsis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Guidelines for Neonatal Sepsis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common signs of E. coli sepsis in newborns?

Common signs include temperature instability, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, and hypotension. Early recognition is crucial for effective management.