Salmonella sepsis is a severe systemic infection caused by Salmonella bacteria, often resulting from contaminated food or water. It is clinically significant due to its potential to cause severe illness and complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code A02.1 is essential for proper diagnosis, documentation, medical billing, and public health reporting, ensuring appropriate treatment and resource allocation.
What is ICD-10 Code A02.1 for Salmonella sepsis?
ICD-10 Code A02.1 represents Salmonella sepsis, a serious condition resulting from the invasion of Salmonella bacteria into the bloodstream. This code should be used when documenting cases of sepsis that arise from Salmonella infections, particularly in patients presenting with systemic symptoms and requiring urgent medical intervention.
ICD-10 Code A02.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Salmonella sepsis
Salmonella sepsis is caused by the systemic spread of Salmonella bacteria, often following gastrointestinal infection. It can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications such as septic shock and organ failure, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Key Clinical Features:
- Fever and chills
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Altered mental status
ICD-10 Code A02.1 for Salmonella sepsis – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use
In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code A02.1 is utilized to document the diagnosis of Salmonella sepsis, guiding clinical assessment and treatment planning. It is relevant in both acute care settings and for ongoing management of patients with severe infections.
What Does ICD-10 Code A02.1 for Salmonella sepsis Mean in SOAP Notes?
ICD-10 Code A02.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms and objective clinical findings to a formal diagnosis of Salmonella sepsis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.
Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code A02.1 – Salmonella sepsis
Salmonella sepsis requires urgent hospitalization and appropriate antibiotic therapy to manage the infection effectively.
Antibiotic Therapy:
- Ciprofloxacin (first-line) for 7-14 days
- Ceftriaxone (alternative) for 7-14 days
- Azithromycin (alternative) for 5-7 days
Supportive Care:
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
- Monitoring vital signs and organ function
- Nutritional support as needed
Infection Control:
- Strict hand hygiene practices
- Isolation precautions for infected patients
- Surveillance for outbreak management
How to Document Symptoms of Salmonella sepsis (ICD-10 A02.1) in SOAP Notes
Subjective:
- Patient reports high fever and chills
- Complaints of abdominal pain and diarrhea
- History of recent travel to endemic areas
Objective:
- Fever of 39°C
- Tachycardia at 110 bpm
- Blood pressure 90/60 mmHg
- Positive blood cultures for Salmonella
Secure, compliant, and built for trust
HIPAA-compliant and designed with privacy in mind, your patient’s data is protected. Focus on care while we safeguard your information.
Learn more
SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Salmonella sepsis (ICD-10 Code A02.1)
Assessment:
- Diagnosis: Salmonella sepsis, severe
- ICD-10 Code: A02.1
- Contributing factors: Recent travel, possible foodborne exposure
Plan:
- Initiate IV antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin)
- Administer IV fluids for hydration
- Monitor vital signs every hour
- Consult infectious disease specialist
Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code A02.1 – Salmonella sepsis
- Administer appropriate antibiotics based on sensitivity
- Provide supportive care including fluid resuscitation
- Educate patient on infection prevention measures
- Schedule follow-up to monitor recovery
Using ICD-10 Code A02.1 for Salmonella sepsis in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance
- Ensure accurate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
- Use A02.1 in conjunction with relevant CPT codes for billing
- Align treatment plans with clinical guidelines for justified billing
- Document any complications or additional diagnoses clearly
ICD-10 Code A02.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Salmonella sepsis
ICD-10 Code A02.1 is critical for accurate billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.
Billing Notes:
- Document all relevant clinical findings to support the diagnosis
- Use A02.1 in the appropriate clinical context for billing
- Ensure compliance with payer requirements for documentation
Common CPT Pairings:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 99285 | Emergency department visit, high severity |
| 36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture |
| 87040 | Culture, bacterial, any source, aerobic |
Sources and References for ICD-10 Code A02.1 – Salmonella sepsis
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Salmonella infections: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salmonella
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Salmonella: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics - Red Book: https://redbook.solutions.aap.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Using ICD-10 Code A02.1 for Salmonella sepsis
What are the common symptoms of Salmonella sepsis?
Common symptoms include high fever, chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and altered mental status. Patients may also exhibit signs of septic shock, such as hypotension and tachycardia.
How is Salmonella sepsis treated?
Treatment typically involves hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and supportive care such as fluid resuscitation. The choice of antibiotics may depend on local resistance patterns.
Is Salmonella sepsis contagious?
Salmonella sepsis itself is not contagious; however, the bacteria can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Proper hygiene and food handling practices are essential to prevent infection.
When should ICD-10 Code A02.1 be used?
ICD-10 Code A02.1 should be used when documenting cases of sepsis specifically caused by Salmonella infection, particularly when patients present with systemic symptoms requiring urgent care.
