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ICD-10 Coding for MRSA Sepsis(A41.02, T81.44XA)

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

Also known as:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsisMRSA bloodstream infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to MRSA Sepsis

A41.0-A41.9Primary Range

Sepsis

This range includes codes for various types of sepsis, including those due to specific organisms like MRSA.

Infection following a procedure

Used when sepsis is a complication following a medical procedure.

Severe sepsis and septic shock

Used to indicate severe sepsis and septic shock conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A41.02Sepsis due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusUse when MRSA is confirmed as the causative agent of sepsis.
  • Positive blood cultures for MRSA
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria
  • Organ dysfunction
T81.44XASepsis following a procedure, initial encounterUse when sepsis occurs as a complication following a medical procedure.
  • Sepsis developing after a procedure
  • Linkage to the procedure in documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for MRSA sepsis

Essential facts and insights about MRSA Sepsis

The ICD-10 code for MRSA sepsis is A41.02, used when MRSA is confirmed as the causative organism.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mrsa sepsis

Sepsis due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive blood cultures for MRSA

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'sepsis due to MRSA'

Applicable To

  • Sepsis due to MRSA

Excludes

  • Sepsis due to other specified bacteria

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive blood cultures for MRSA
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria
  • Organ dysfunction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using A41.9 when MRSA is confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies MRSA as the causative organism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Severe sepsis with septic shock

R65.21
Use when the patient has severe sepsis with septic shock.

Differential Codes

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

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use A41.9 when the organism causing sepsis is not specified or known.

Sepsis due to MRSA

A41.02
Use T81.44XA first when sepsis is post-procedural.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting MRSA Sepsis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A41.02.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'MRSA sepsis', Document all relevant clinical findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect code may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on sepsis cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Use A41.02 when MRSA is confirmed as the causative agent.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to vague documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of causative organism and clinical criteria.

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 MRSA Sepsis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for MRSA Sepsis

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

Primary MRSA Sepsis Case

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Positive MRSA blood cultures
  • SIRS criteria
  • Organ dysfunction

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever, tachycardia, and hypotension. Blood cultures positive for MRSA. Diagnosed with MRSA sepsis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient febrile, started on antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Temperature 39.2°C, WBC 22k/μL, lactate 4.8 mmol/L. Blood cultures positive for MRSA. Diagnosis: MRSA sepsis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and confirms MRSA as the causative agent.

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

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