A32.7

Billable

Listerial sepsis

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 2 — Septicemia, Sepsis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/Shock

0.455

V24HCC 2 — Septicemia, Sepsis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/Shock

0.455

ESRDHCC 2 — Septicemia, Sepsis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/Shock

0.000

What This Code Means

A serious bloodstream infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes that has spread throughout the body, causing a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response. This condition requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics.

Coding Tips

•Listerial sepsis is a serious infection that typically requires ICU-level care; ensure sepsis is documented and coded as the principal diagnosis when present
•Verify the source of infection (e.g., contaminated food, maternal-fetal transmission) and code any associated conditions like meningitis (A32.11) or bacteremia separately if documented

Clinical Significance

Listerial sepsis is a serious bloodstream infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, primarily affecting pregnant women, neonates, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients. In pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal sepsis, making it a critical diagnosis requiring immediate ampicillin-based therapy.

Documentation Requirements

✓Blood cultures positive for Listeria monocytogenes
✓Documentation of sepsis criteria and systemic inflammatory response
✓Pregnancy status, gestational age, and fetal outcomes if applicable
✓Immune status and risk factors (age extremes, immunosuppression, pregnancy)
✓Suspected source of exposure (contaminated food products — soft cheeses, deli meats, unpasteurized dairy)

Commonly Confused Codes

A32.1 (Listerial meningitis) — Listeria commonly causes meningitis; A32.7 is specifically for sepsis without meningitis or code both if both are present A41.9 (Sepsis, unspecified) — Use A32.7 when Listeria is identified, not the generic sepsis code A32.9 (Listeriosis, unspecified) — Use A32.7 when sepsis is specifically documented, not the unspecified form

Code Hierarchy

└A32Listeriosis └A32.7Listerial sepsis

└A32.7Listerial sepsis