A02.1

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A serious bloodstream infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that has spread throughout the body, causing a life-threatening systemic response. This condition requires immediate medical treatment and can lead to organ failure if not properly managed.

Coding Tips

• •Salmonella sepsis is a combination code that includes both the organism identification and the sepsis condition, so do not code sepsis separately with a different code
• •Verify documentation clearly states 'sepsis' or 'septicemia' related to Salmonella infection; if only gastroenteritis is documented, use A02.0 instead

Clinical Significance

Salmonella sepsis is a life-threatening bloodstream infection caused by Salmonella species, most commonly affecting immunocompromised patients, the elderly, and those with sickle cell disease. It carries high mortality risk and requires emergent treatment with appropriate antibiotics and hemodynamic support.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Blood cultures positive for Salmonella species or clinical documentation of Salmonella sepsis
• ✓Documentation of systemic inflammatory response (fever, tachycardia, hypotension, altered mental status)
• ✓Organ dysfunction assessment if present (acute kidney injury, respiratory failure, coagulopathy)
• ✓Underlying conditions predisposing to Salmonella sepsis (HIV/AIDS, sickle cell disease, immunosuppression)
• ✓If severe sepsis or septic shock is present, document the specific organ dysfunction and use additional codes (R65.20 or R65.21)

Commonly Confused Codes