ICD-10 Code A41.50 – Gram-negative sepsis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A41.50 – Gram-negative sepsis, unspecified
What it is
A41.50 identifies sepsis caused by gram-negative organisms when the specific organism is not documented. Use it for a systemic infection with a gram-negative source, but no named pathogen.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Sepsis is typically supported by evidence of infection with systemic illness, such as altered mental status, organ dysfunction, or other signs of severe infection.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents gram-negative sepsis and does not name the organism. It may also fit when culture or clinical notes confirm gram-negative sepsis, but the exact bacteria is not specified. Check documentation for any additional infection site or organism-specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use it for simple gram-negative infection without sepsis, or for sepsis caused by a documented organism that has a more specific code. If the record says bacteremia only, choose the documented diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code the sepsis first, then add any documented organism or source code if supported by the record.