Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I-ve always had difficulty assigning the correct ICD-9 for sepsis. I read the guidelines on sepsis diagnosis, but I-m still not sure which ICD-9 to use for candida sepsis. Should I use 112.9? And what about when the doctor says yeast septicemia? Should I use 112.9 also, or should I go back to my doctor for clarification? 


Idaho Subscriber

Answer: First, you have to indicate the location of the candida infection, and then use 995.91 (Systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to infectious process without acute organ dysfunction) as your secondary code to indicate that it is a septic condition. Sepsis means the fungal infection has spread to the blood stream, which is why you also need to report 995.91.

Keep in mind: Code 112.9 denotes a candida infection of an unspecified site. If your physician has not given you more information, you can use this code, but clarifying with him the exact location would allow you to bill a more specific code, perhaps better supporting any services he performed.