Learn about MRSA sepsis diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (A41.01, A41.9), and common symptoms like fever, chills, and hypotension. This guide covers best practices for healthcare professionals regarding MRSA bacteremia, septicemia, and blood culture interpretation for accurate medical coding and improved patient care. Explore resources for sepsis treatment guidelines, risk factors, and the importance of timely diagnosis in managing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Also known as
Sepsis due to Methicillin-resistant S. aureus
Sepsis specifically caused by MRSA bacteria.
Sepsis, unspecified organism
Sepsis where the causative organism is unknown.
Severe sepsis with septic shock
Advanced, life-threatening stage of sepsis with shock.
Pneumonia due to MRSA
Lung infection by MRSA, a potential source of sepsis.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the MRSA infection systemic?
Yes
Is there organ dysfunction?
No
Is the site of infection known?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| MRSA sepsis |
| Staph aureus sepsis |
| Severe sepsis |
Insufficient documentation linking MRSA to sepsis, potentially leading to incorrect coding without explicit clinical indicators.
Coding MRSA sepsis without specifying the infection source (e.g., pneumonia, bacteremia) can result in coding errors and claims denials.
Misdiagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) as sepsis with MRSA can lead to upcoding and compliance issues.
Patient presents with suspected Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis. Clinical manifestations include fever (temperature 102.5 F), chills, tachycardia (heart rate 110 bpm), tachypnea (respiratory rate 24 breaths per minute), and hypotension (blood pressure 9060 mmHg). The patient reports malaise, body aches, and decreased urine output. Leukocytosis is noted on complete blood count (CBC) with a white blood cell (WBC) count of 18,000 cellsmm3 and elevated procalcitonin. Blood cultures have been drawn and sent for analysis to confirm MRSA bacteremia. Given the patient's clinical picture concerning for severe sepsis secondary to suspected MRSA infection, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics (Vancomycin) have been initiated. Fluid resuscitation with normal saline is underway to address hypotension and improve tissue perfusion. The patient is being closely monitored for signs of septic shock and organ dysfunction. Differential diagnosis includes other bacterial infections, viral sepsis, and non-infectious causes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Further diagnostic testing, including lactate levels and possible imaging studies (chest x-ray, CT scan), may be warranted depending on clinical course and response to initial therapy. ICD-10 code A41.02 (Sepsis due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is being considered pending blood culture confirmation. Treatment plan includes continued hemodynamic support, antibiotic therapy tailored to culture sensitivities, and supportive care as indicated. Patient's condition and response to treatment will be reassessed frequently.