Bacteremia

This code represents the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, a condition often indicative of an underlying infection. It signifies a positive blood culture for bacteria, which can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis if not promptly addressed.

Use this code when documentation confirms the presence of bacteria in the blood, typically identified via a positive blood culture. This often occurs in patients presenting with fever, chills, and other signs of infection, where the source is suspected to be systemic.

• Always code the underlying infection responsible for the bacteremia first, if known.
• Do not use this code for contamination of blood cultures; true bacteremia must be documented.
• Consider additional codes for sepsis (e.g., 995.91, 995.92) if systemic inflammatory response is also documented.