ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for postoperative fever
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Fever (inanition) (of unknown origin) (persistent) (with chills) (with rigor) › postoperative”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding postoperative fever
The ICD-10-CM code for postoperative fever is R50.82 (Postprocedural fever). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R50.82.
Within R50.8 (other specified fever), R50.82 is specifically for postprocedural fever. Related codes cover fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere (R50.81), Postvaccination fever (R50.83) and febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction (R50.84).
Don't report R50.82 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: postprocedural infection (T81.4-), posttransfusion fever (R50.84) and postvaccination (postimmunization) fever (R50.83).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific postoperative fever codes (official index)
- due to infection T81.40 — Infection following a procedure, unspecified
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for R50.82)
Common questions about postoperative fever ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for postoperative fever?
- R50.82 — Postprocedural fever. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: T81.40.
Is R50.82 billable?
- Yes. R50.82 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R50.82 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R50.82 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R50.82 a CC or MCC?
- No. R50.82 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.