What type of infection does the code R65.2 denote?

The code R65.2 specifically identifies severe sepsis in the ICD-10-CM coding system. Severe sepsis is categorized by the presence of sepsis alongside acute organ dysfunction. This classification indicates that there is not only an infection present, but it has progressed to a state where it significantly impacts the body's ability to function, often resulting in a deterioration of vital organs.

This code is used to ensure that healthcare providers can accurately document the severity of the patient's condition for clinical, billing, and research purposes. It's essential to differentiate severe sepsis from other types of infections to provide appropriate treatment options and maintain accurate medical records.

In contrast, other choices such as septic shock, nosocomial infections, and HIV infections reference different medical conditions not covered by this specific code. For example, septic shock denotes a critical state typically requiring immediate intervention and is coded differently, while nosocomial infections refer to infections contracted in healthcare settings, and HIV infections are classified under a separate category altogether. Thus, R65.2 clearly aligns with severe sepsis, signifying its unique and serious nature within the broader spectrum of infections.