Septic Shock ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore the latest septic shock ICD codes you can use for billing and coding. Get valuable clinical information for your practice.

By Katherine Ellison on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

What septic shock ICD codes can I use?

Among the ICD-10 codes, only a few specifically mention septic shock. These septic shock ICD codes are the following:

R65.21 - Severe sepsis with septic shock

Use this code when a patient is confirmed to have severe sepsis resulting in septic shock.

T81.12XA - Postprocedural septic shock, initial encounter

This code is appropriate for patients confirmed to be experiencing septic shock following a procedure. The "initial encounter" label indicates that they are actively receiving care for it.

T81.12XD - Postprocedural septic shock, subsequent encounter

Similar to Item 2, but with a "subsequent encounter" label. This indicates that the patient is in the recovery phase of postprocedural septic shock and is receiving routine care.

T81.12XS - Postprocedural septic shock, sequela

Similar to Item 2, but with a "sequela" label. This indicates that the patient is dealing with the aftereffects of post-procedural septic shock.

Please note that these codes are not suitable as principal diagnoses since septic shock is a result of sepsis. Therefore, the primary code should be linked to sepsis caused by the specific bacteria involved.

Are these septic shock ICD codes billable?

Yes. Despite being unacceptable as principal diagnoses, these ICD-10 codes are still valid and billable.

Clinical information

Sepsis shock, also known as septic shock, is a severe and potentially fatal condition arising as a complication of sepsis.
It is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure, which can lead to vital organ dysfunction.
Common symptoms include rapid heart rate, fever, shivering, confusion, shortness of breath, and extreme discomfort.
In the early stages, septic shock can be treated with antibiotics, IV fluids, and vasopressor medications to increase blood pressure.
If not treated promptly, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Septic shock risk factors include age (it's more common in the elderly), compromised immune system, chronic illness such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and recent surgery or medical procedure.
Prevention strategies include good infection control practices such as regular hand washing, vaccines, and prompt treatment of infections.

Synonyms include:

Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to anaerobic bacteria
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Chromobacterium
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Enterococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Gonococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Gram-positive coccus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Group A streptococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Group B streptococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Haemophilus influenzae
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to Meningococcus
Septic shock co-occurrent with acute organ dysfunction due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Commonly asked questions

There are no other ICD codes with septic shock in their names. Again, the principal diagnosis should be sepsis.

The person will likely have the following symptoms: their heart will start palpitating, they will start to look pale, their blood pressure will drop fast, and they will feel lightheaded.

Healthcare professionals will resort to administering antibiotics, fluids, and medication that increases blood flow in organs. Depending on other findings, professionals may need to use ventilators for those who can’t breathe well independently. They might use insulin if the shock increases the person’s glucose levels. They might even resort to surgery if tissues have died and if any abscesses need to be removed.

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