Which code should be assigned for septic shock?

The appropriate code for septic shock is R65.1. This code is specifically designated for "septic shock" as part of the R65 coding category, which relates to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and its phases. Septic shock is a critical condition characterized by severe infection leading to systemic response and can result in organ failure and cardiovascular instability.

R65.1 captures this severity, distinguishing it from other related conditions. This coding reflects the medical necessity for care associated specifically with septic shock, thereby ensuring appropriate documentation and billing correlate to the patient's diagnosis and the treatments administered.

The other codes listed serve different purposes. R65.2 pertains to "severe sepsis" without mention of shock, which does not fully encapsulate the critical condition of septic shock. B20 is indicative of HIV disease, while O98.7 is related to infections in the mother affecting the fetus. These codes do not apply to septic shock and do not reflect the nature of the critical care typically required in cases of septic shock.