Pneumococcal septicemia [Streptococcus pneumoniae septicemia]

This code signifies a severe systemic infection caused specifically by Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. It indicates the presence of these bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening inflammatory response throughout the body. This condition is a form of sepsis with a defined bacterial etiology.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "pneumococcal septicemia" or "sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae." Confirmation typically comes from positive blood cultures identifying S. pneumoniae as the causative agent in a patient exhibiting signs of sepsis. It is appropriate for cases of bacteremia with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) attributed to this specific pathogen.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the reason for admission, unless another condition meets the definition of principal diagnosis.
• Do not use this code for localized pneumococcal infections (e.g., pneumonia) without evidence of systemic involvement.
• Ensure documentation clearly identifies Streptococcus pneumoniae as the specific organism causing the septicemia, as opposed to unspecified septicemia or sepsis due to other bacterial types.