Sepsis due to anaerobes

This code signifies a severe, life-threatening systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by an infection with anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic organisms thrive in environments with low oxygen and are often associated with deep-seated infections. The body's response to this infection can lead to organ dysfunction and shock.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states sepsis and specifies an anaerobic organism as the causative agent. This is commonly seen in cases of intra-abdominal infections, aspiration pneumonia, or infections related to necrotic tissue. Supporting documentation includes positive anaerobic cultures from blood or other sterile sites, along with clinical signs of sepsis.

• Always code the underlying infection first, if known, followed by this sepsis code.
• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies gas gangrene, as this is an Excludes1 condition.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly identifies an anaerobic organism; "polymicrobial sepsis" without specific anaerobic identification may require further query.