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Septic shock

Official text from the FY2027 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. The wording is quoted exactly.

Guidelines I.C.1.d.2; I.C.1.d.5.c

“Septic shock generally refers to circulatory failure associated with severe sepsis, and therefore, it represents a type of acute organ dysfunction.”

“As noted in the sequencing instructions in the Tabular List, the code for septic shock cannot be assigned as a principal diagnosis.”

“Do not assign code R65.21, Severe sepsis with septic shock.”

Where this applies

4 billable codes. Source: FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, effective October 1, 2026. Full Guidelines (PDF, CMS)