2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code P36

Bacterial sepsis of newborn

ICD-10-CM Code:
P36
ICD-10 Code for:
Bacterial sepsis of newborn
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

P36 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of bacterial sepsis of newborn. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Bacterial sepsis of newborn

Non-specific codes like P36 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for bacterial sepsis of newborn:

  • Use P36.0 for Sepsis of newborn due to streptococcus, group B - BILLABLE CODE

  • P36.1 for Sepsis of newborn due to other and unspecified streptococci - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.10 for Sepsis of newborn due to unspecified streptococci - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.19 for Sepsis of newborn due to other streptococci - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.2 for Sepsis of newborn due to Staphylococcus aureus - BILLABLE CODE

  • P36.3 for Sepsis of newborn due to other and unspecified staphylococci - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.30 for Sepsis of newborn due to unspecified staphylococci - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.39 for Sepsis of newborn due to other staphylococci - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.4 for Sepsis of newborn due to Escherichia coli - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.5 for Sepsis of newborn due to anaerobes - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.8 for Other bacterial sepsis of newborn - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use P36.9 for Bacterial sepsis of newborn, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
    P00–P96
    • Infections specific to the perinatal period
      P35-P39
      • Bacterial sepsis of newborn
        P36

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • congenital sepsis

Use Additional Code

Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
  • codes, if applicable, to identify severe sepsis R65.2

Patient Education


Bacterial Infections

What are bacteria?

Bacteria are tiny organisms (living things) that have only one cell. Under a microscope, they look like balls, rods, or spirals. They can be found almost everywhere on Earth. There are lots of bacteria in and on your body. In fact, your body has about 10 times more bacteria cells than human cells.

There are many different types of bacteria. Most types don't make you sick. Some types are helpful. For example, "good" bacteria in your digestive system can help your body digest food and absorb vitamins and minerals. They can help protect you from getting sick. Bacteria are also used in making foods like yogurt and cheese.

But some types of bacteria can cause an infection and make you sick. They are called infectious bacteria. These bacteria can reproduce quickly in your body. Many of them give off toxins (poisons) that can damage your cells and make you sick. Other types can move into and damage your tissues. A few examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

How do bacterial infections spread?

There are different ways that bacterial infections may spread:

  • Through droplets and particles that are breathed out by someone who has the infection. You might breathe in the droplets or particles, or they could land on your mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • By touching surfaces or objects that have the bacteria on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • Through cuts, scrapes, and skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection.
  • From the pregnant parent to the baby during pregnancy.
  • Through contaminated food or water.
  • By being bitten by an infected insect or animal.
  • Through sexual contact (usually vaginal, anal and oral sex) with someone who has the infection.

What are the treatments for bacterial infections?

Sometimes your immune system may be able to fight off a bacterial infection. But when you do need treatment, it will be with antibiotics.

When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take them, there is a risk that the bacteria will become resistant to the effects of the antibiotics. This is called antibiotic resistance. When this happens, the bacteria are not killed, and they continue to grow. They can cause resistant infections, which can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

Can bacterial infections be prevented?

You can help prevent some bacterial infections by:

  • Getting vaccines that protect against bacterial infections.
  • Having good hygiene habits. These include washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Paying attention to food safety.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that your frequently touch.
  • Preventing insect bites by using a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. when you go outdoors. If you travel to an area that has a high risk of diseases from insect bites, also wear long pants, shirts, and socks.
  • Practicing safe sex. This means using a latex condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is your body's overactive and extreme response to an infection. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Without quick treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.

What causes sepsis?

Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, but other types of infections can also cause it.

The infections are often in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, or bladder. It's possible for sepsis to begin with a small cut that gets infected or with an infection that develops after surgery. Sometimes, sepsis can occur in people who didn't even know that they had an infection.

Who is more likely to develop sepsis?

Anyone with an infection could get sepsis. But certain people are more likely to develop it:

  • Adults 65 or older
  • People with chronic (long-lasting) conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than one

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis can cause one or more of these symptoms:

  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Clammy or sweaty skin

It's important to get medical care right away if you think you might have sepsis or if your infection is not getting better or is getting worse.

What other problems can sepsis cause?

Severe cases of sepsis can lead to septic shock, where your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and multiple organs can fail.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

To find out if you have sepsis, your health care provider:

  • Will take your medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms
  • Will do a physical exam, which includes checking vital signs (your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing)
  • Will likely order lab tests that check for signs of infection or organ damage
  • May order imaging tests such as an x-ray or a CT scan to find the location of the infection

Many of the signs and symptoms of sepsis can also be caused by other medical conditions. This may make sepsis hard to diagnose in its early stages.

What are the treatments for sepsis?

It is very important to get treatment right away. Treatment usually includes:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Maintaining blood flow to organs. This may involve getting oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids.
  • Treating the source of the infection.
  • If needed, medicines to increase blood pressure.

In serious cases, you might need kidney dialysis or a breathing tube. Some people need surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection.

Can sepsis be prevented?

To prevent sepsis, you should try to prevent getting an infection:

  • Take good care of any chronic health conditions that you have
  • Get recommended vaccines
  • Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing
  • Keep cuts clean and covered until healed

NIH: National Institute of General Medical SciencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems

It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby's health, call your health care provider right away.

Learning information about your baby's condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby's care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.