​​Use of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes to “Flag” Post-operative Patients for Further Evaluation of Possible SSI

Attached is a list of “flag” codes that when used as an adjunct to an already robust SSI surveillance program, has demonstrated as much as a 50% improvement in SSI case finding. Remember when using these codes, they flag cases that may  indicate infection.

Using ICD-10-CM codes is not meant as a substitute for your SSI surveillance program. Many cases go undetected if a culture was not done or there was no return to surgery or readmission. It is an excellent adjunct to improve your case finding and focus for improvement where needed.

Beginning in 2015, CDPH expects all California hospitals to incorporate this review method as part of routine SSI surveillance.

Use of ICD-10-CM Diagnosis​ Codes to “Flag” Post-operative Patients for Further Evaluation of Possible SSI​​ (PDF) ​​