ICD-10 Code for Severe sepsis
The ICD-10-CM code for severe sepsis is R65.20 — Severe sepsis without septic shock. This is the code the Alphabetic Index gives for severe sepsis with no further qualifier, valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Billable
Which severe sepsis code should you use?
The Alphabetic Index lists 2 codes under Severe sepsis. Which one applies depends on the qualifier documented in the record — the type, site, cause, or associated condition. Find the qualifier below, then verify the code in the Tabular List before using it.
By type
| with septic shock | R65.21 | Severe sepsis with septic shock |
Index terms and codes are reproduced from the official ICD-10-CM FY2027 release. The Alphabetic Index is a finding aid — a code must always be verified in the Tabular List before it is reported. Data sources