Surgical Site Infection ICD-10-CM Codes

A Surgical Site Infection ICD-10-CM code should be used when an infection is documented to have developed at or near the site of a recent surgical procedure. This includes superficial, deep incisional, or organ/space infections following a procedure, especially when clinical signs like redness, discharge, fever, or swelling are present.

Treatments for surgical site infections (SSIs) typically include targeted antibiotics, wound cleaning, and, in more severe cases, surgical drainage or removal of prosthetic devices or implants. The specific therapy depends on the depth of infection and whether the infectious agent or foreign body is identified.

A diagnosis code for surgical site infection signifies that a patient has developed an infection directly linked to a recent surgical procedure. These ICD-10-CM codes help classify the infection type, location, severity, and any involvement of devices or grafts.