Infection specific to the perinatal period, unspecified

This code signifies an infection occurring in a newborn during the perinatal period (from 22 weeks gestation through 28 days after birth) where the specific type of infection is not documented or cannot be determined. It indicates a generalized infectious process without further diagnostic specificity.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a perinatal infection but lacks details regarding the causative organism or the specific site of infection. This is appropriate when documentation indicates "perinatal infection NOS" or similar non-specific terminology.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific infection (e.g., congenital pneumonia, neonatal sepsis) is documented; always code to the highest level of specificity.
• Review the entire record for any clues regarding the type or site of infection before assigning this unspecified code.
• This code should be sequenced as a principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it coexists with another condition.