ICD-10 Code A41.01 – Sepsis due to Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A41.01 – Sepsis due to Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
What it is
This code identifies sepsis caused by methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Use it when the record documents a systemic infection from MSSA with sepsis, not just a localized staph infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical sepsis documentation may include infection with systemic illness, altered mental status, or organ dysfunction, but you should code only what the provider clearly states.
When to use this code
Use A41.01 when the provider documents sepsis due to MSSA, bacteremia with sepsis, or an MSSA source that is explicitly linked to sepsis. Confirm the organism is methicillin susceptible, not resistant. If the note says “sepsis” and names MSSA as the cause, this code is appropriate.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for localized MSSA infections without sepsis, or for MRSA-related sepsis. If the organism or sepsis relationship is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Always verify that the provider connects MSSA to sepsis and distinguishes it from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.