ICD-10 Code A41 – Other sepsis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A41 – Other sepsis
What it is
A41 is the ICD-10-CM code for sepsis that is not specified by a more exact organism or sepsis category. Use it when documentation identifies sepsis but does not name a specific cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Sepsis is generally recognized by infection with systemic illness, and may include acute organ dysfunction, altered mental status, or hemodynamic instability.
When to use this code
Use A41 when the provider documents sepsis and no more specific ICD-10 code applies. It is appropriate when the record does not identify a particular organism or type of sepsis. If the note gives a more specific diagnosis, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use A41 for simple infection without sepsis, or when the documentation supports a more specific sepsis code. Check documentation if the record describes septic shock or another distinct sepsis category.
Coding tip
Code the documented sepsis first, then verify whether an additional code is needed for the underlying infection or organ dysfunction.