ICD-10 Code I76 – Septic arterial embolism (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I76 – Septic arterial embolism
What it is
I76 identifies a septic embolus that travels through an artery and causes infection at the blocked site. Use it when documentation shows an infected embolic arterial event, not a routine clot.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include sudden ischemic symptoms in the affected arterial territory with evidence of infection, such as an infected source or embolic material described as septic.
When to use this code
Use I76 when the provider documents septic arterial embolism, septic embolus, or infected arterial embolization. It may appear with endocarditis or another infectious source if the record clearly links the arterial event to infection.
Assign this code only when the embolic event is arterial and septic in nature. If the note describes a noninfectious embolus or thrombosis, check documentation and code the documented condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use I76 for venous embolism, ordinary thrombosis, or unspecified embolic disease without infection. Check documentation if the record does not clearly state an arterial septic embolus.
Coding tip
Code the septic embolism only when the provider links infection to the arterial embolus; otherwise, select the documented noninfectious vascular diagnosis.