What does ICD-10 code P36 mean?

ICD-10 code P36 is the standardized code used for bacterial sepsis of newborn in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code P36 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code P36 when recording bacterial sepsis of newborn in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code P36 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code P36: Bacterial sepsis of newborn

Name: ICD-10 Code P36: Bacterial sepsis of newborn
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:29:13.978Z

P36 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Bacterial sepsis of newborn. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents bacterial sepsis of newborn in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

16Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96)

block

P35-P39Infections specific to the perinatal period

currentP35-P39

Official coding notes

Includes

congenital sepsis

Applicable to

code(s), if applicable, to identify severe sepsis (R65.2-) and associated acute organ dysfunction(s)

Use additional code

code(s), if applicable, to identify severe sepsis (R65.2-) and associated acute organ dysfunction(s)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

PediatricianNeonatologistInfectious Disease Specialist

Sibling codes

P35Congenital viral diseases P37Other congenital infectious and parasitic diseases P38Omphalitis of newborn P39Other infections specific to the perinatal period

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

P36

Replacement codes

P36.0 — Sepsis of newborn due to streptococcus, group BP36.2 — Sepsis of newborn due to Staphylococcus aureusP36.4 — Sepsis of newborn due to Escherichia coliP36.5 — Sepsis of newborn due to anaerobesP36.8 — Other bacterial sepsis of newbornP36.9 — Bacterial sepsis of newborn, unspecified

Common synonyms

Bacterial sepsis of newborn

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.