Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for History of Sepsis(Z86.04)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Sepsis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Resolved SepsisPast Sepsis Episode

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Sepsis

Z86-Z87Primary Range

Personal history of certain other diseases

This range includes codes for personal history of diseases, including sepsis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of sepsis

Essential facts and insights about History of Sepsis

The ICD-10 code for a personal history of sepsis is Z86.04, used for documenting resolved sepsis episodes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of sepsis

Personal history of sepsis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Sepsis episode must be documented as resolved with a specific date.

Applicable To

  • Resolved sepsis
  • Past sepsis episode

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented resolution of sepsis
  • Date of past sepsis episode
  • No current signs of infection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as current sepsis
  • Omission of resolution status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the sepsis is resolved and provides context.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

B95-B97
Use to specify the organism if known from past episodes.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use A41.9 for active sepsis cases, not historical ones.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Sepsis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.04.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture of the patient's health., Regulatory: Potential audit triggers., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify historical conditions are documented as resolved., Educate providers on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential overpayment., Compliance: Risk of audit and compliance issues., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation for resolution status and use Z86.04 for historical cases.

Impact

Confusion between coding for historical and active sepsis.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of resolution and historical context.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for History of Sepsis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Sepsis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Sepsis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient with past sepsis episode

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Resolution status
  • Date of past sepsis
  • No current infection signs

Example Documentation

Patient has a history of sepsis resolved in 2022, treated with antibiotics, currently asymptomatic.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hx of sepsis
Good Documentation Example
History of sepsis resolved in 2022, treated with vancomycin, no current infection.
Explanation
The good example provides resolution status and treatment details, ensuring clarity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Sepsis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more