Dec. 8, 2025

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

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