In the front of your ICD-9 book are guidelines for specific conditions/illnesses, including how to sequence them when a patient has more than one. My book is from Ingenix and the guidelines for sepsis coding begin on page 6. It can be confusing, especially if you don't code this type of thing on a regular basis. But remember, the certification exam doesn't really expect you to know things in great detail and depth, just where to find the information in your book. I would suggest you highlight the important points of this guideline so you can find it quickly.
Good luck!
Torilinne
SCC, CPC, CGIC
