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ICD-10 Coding for Neutropenic Sepsis(A41.9, D70.1)

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

Also known as:

Febrile NeutropeniaChemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia with Sepsis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Neutropenic Sepsis

A41-A41.9Primary Range

Sepsis codes

Primary codes for sepsis, including unspecified organism.

Neutropenia codes

Codes for neutropenia, including chemotherapy-induced.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A41.9Sepsis, unspecified organismUse when sepsis is confirmed without a specified organism.
  • Neutrophil count ≤0.5 ×10⁹/L
  • Temperature ≥38°C or <36°C
  • Signs of systemic inflammatory response
D70.1Agranulocytosis secondary to cancer chemotherapyUse when neutropenia is due to recent chemotherapy.
  • Recent chemotherapy within 21 days
  • Neutrophil count ≤0.5 ×10⁹/L

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 neutropenic sepsis

Essential facts and insights about Neutropenic Sepsis

Neutropenic sepsis is coded with A41.9 for sepsis and D70.1 for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neutropenic sepsis

Sepsis, unspecified organism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of SIRS criteria with neutropenia.

Applicable To

  • Septicemia NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Neutrophil count ≤0.5 ×10⁹/L
  • Temperature ≥38°C or <36°C
  • Signs of systemic inflammatory response

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse of unspecified code when specific organism is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Always sequence A41.9 before neutropenia codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Severe sepsis without septic shock

R65.20
Use if severe sepsis with organ dysfunction is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified sepsis

A41.89
Use when sepsis is due to a specific organism not classified elsewhere.

Neutropenia, unspecified

D70.9
Use when the cause of neutropenia is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neutropenic Sepsis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A41.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis of neutropenia cause., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure chemotherapy dates are included in the patient's history.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient severity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code A41.9 first, followed by the infection code.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of sepsis and neutropenia codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 coding guidelines.

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

Documentation Templates for Neutropenic Sepsis

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

Oncology patient with febrile neutropenia

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient's temperature
  • Neutrophil count
  • Chemotherapy dates
  • Infection source

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever (39°C) and ANC 0.3 ×10⁹/L post-chemotherapy. Diagnosed with neutropenic sepsis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has fever and low WBC.
Good Documentation Example
ANC 0.4 ×10⁹/L, temp 38.5°C, lactate 3.2 mmol/L, requiring vasopressors.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and systemic signs, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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