The Sepsis Confusion: SIRS, SOFA, and CDI…Oh My!!!

There are two competing definitions of sepsis, called "Sepsis-2" and "Sepsis-3." They are vastly different, and it is causing enormous confusion with respect to diagnosing and coding for sepsis.  I assembled a panel of experts to discuss the proper coding of sepsis. Does a UTI with fever and tachycardia really constitute sepsis? Does CMS mandate a specific definition of sepsis? What about SOFA scores?  We delve into all of this and more. The panel for this episode is:  Dr. Erin Boyd  Dr. Ronald Hirsch Dr. Cesar Limjoco Shirlivia Parker  I learned a lot, and it has definitely affected my approach to patients with sepsis in the ICU. It has also further spawned future episodes about sepsis, so stay tuned.