New dot phrase for sepsis care

Hospital reimbursement for sepsis patients now depends on CMS compliance of SEP-1. Intermountain has introduced a new dot phrase for the care of sepsis patients. It supports timely and accurate documentation of sepsis care and ensures compliance: .SEPSISMDM

This phrase inserts a standardized medical decision-making template for sepsis cases, ensuring quick and accurate documentation that meets regulatory requirements.

SEP-1 is a CMS quality measure that outlines specific steps for managing patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Why is this important?

• SEP-1 includes strict requirements for the three-hour and six-hour bundles, such as antibiotics, fluid boluses and reassessments.

• Not all patients are appropriate for large fluid boluses or vasopressors—documentation of decreased fluid amounts and reasoning is required.

Using .SEPSISMDM and the sepsis order sets:

• Streamlines documentation: IVF exempt, sepsis reassessment, more precise time zero

• Reduces risk of fallouts

• Supports hospital reimbursement and quality scores

Using .SEPSISMDM ensures your documentation reflects these critical interventions and supports quality reporting. Please begin using this phrase in relevant cases immediately.

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the sepsis coordinator at your hospital.

Good Samaritan: Wendell Summers, RN

Lutheran: Dani Zappia, RN

Platte Valley: Amy Boyd, RN

Saint Joseph: Maegan Clapp, BSN, RN

St. Mary’s: Katie Lang, RN

Thank you for your continued commitment to patient care and quality improvement.