Procedure-associated Module

SSI

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Event

Introduction: In 2010, an estimated 16 million operative procedures were performed in acute

care hospitals in the United States1. A recent prevalence study found that SSIs were the most
common healthcare-associated infection, accounting for 31% of all HAIs among hospitalized
patients2. The CDC healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevalence survey found that there
were an estimated 157,500 surgical site infections associated with inpatient surgeries in 20113.
NHSN data included 16,147 SSIs following 849,659 operative procedures in all groups
reported, for an overall SSI rate of 1.9% between 2006-20084. A 19% decrease in SSI related
to 10 select procedures was reported between 2008 and 20135.

While advances have been made in infection control practices, including improved operating
room ventilation, sterilization methods, barriers, surgical technique, and availability of
antimicrobial prophylaxis, SSIs remain a substantial cause of morbidity, prolonged
hospitalization, and death. SSI is associated with a mortality rate of 3%, and 75% of SSI-
associated deaths are directly attributable to the SSI6.

Surveillance of SSI with feedback of appropriate data to surgeons has been shown to be an
important component of strategies to reduce SSI risk7-10. A successful surveillance program
includes the use of epidemiologically-sound infection definitions and effective surveillance
methods, stratification of SSI rates according to risk factors associated with SSI development,
and data feedback8,9. A new CDC and Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory
Committee guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection has been published in 2017
and has replaced the previous Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, 199910.

Settings: Surveillance of surgical patients will occur in any inpatient and/or outpatient setting
where the selected NHSN operative procedure(s) are performed.

Requirements: Perform surveillance for SSI following at least one NHSN operative
procedure category (ICD-10-PCS and CPT Mapping) as indicated in the Patient Safety
Monthly Reporting Plan (CDC 57.106). Collect SSI (numerator) and operative procedure
category (denominator) data on all procedures included in the selected procedure categories for
at least one month to meet NHSN requirements, or as otherwise specified by mandates and
other reporting requirements. A procedure must meet the NHSN definition of an operative
procedure in order to be included in the surveillance. All procedures included in the NHSN
monthly surveillance plan are followed for superficial, deep, and organ/space SSIs. SSI events
where PATOS = Yes are reported to NHSN.

SSI monitoring requires active, patient-based, prospective surveillance. Post-discharge and

ante-discharge surveillance methods should be used to detect SSIs following inpatient
surgeries and post-discharge surveillance for outpatient operative procedures.

January 2018 9-1

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

For example, these methods include:

 Review of medical records or surgery clinic patient records
o Admission, readmission, ED, and OR logs
o Patient charts for signs and symptoms of SSI
o Lab, X-ray, other diagnostic test reports
o Nurses and physician notes
 Visit the ICU and wards – talk to primary care staff
 Surgeon surveys by mail or telephone
 Patient surveys by mail or telephone (though patients may have a difficult time
assessing their infections).

Any combination of these methods is acceptable for use; however, CDC criteria for SSI must
be used. To minimize Infection Preventionists’ (IPs) workload of collecting denominator data,
operating room data may be downloaded.
(See file specifications at: https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ps-analysis-
resources/ImportingProcedureData.pdf).

An SSI will be associated with a particular NHSN operative procedure and the facility in
which that procedure was performed.

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision Clinical Modifications (ICD-10-

CM/PCS) codes, which are defined by the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee
of the National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS), are developed as a tool for classification of morbidity data. Their wide use
enables the grouping of surgery types for the purpose of determining SSI rates. The ICD-10-
PCS mapping is located on the NHSN website in the SSI Protocol under “Supporting
Materials”. Mapping is also provided for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to
NHSN operative procedure categories to assist users in determining the correct NHSN code to
report for facilities using CPT codes. The CPT NHSN operative procedure mapping is also
found in the “Supporting Materials” section of the SSI Protocol on the NHSN website. The
ICD-10-PCS and the CPT mapping documents include a general definition for each NHSN
operative procedure category as well as a description for each individual operative procedure
code.

Notes:
 The Infection Window Period, Present on Admission (POA), Hospital Associated
Infection (HAI), and Repeat Infection Timeframe (RIT) definitions should not be
applied to the SSI protocol. For more POA and PATOS details see numerator reporting
instructions #2 and #3.
 ICD-10-PCS and CPT code fields remain optional fields.
 The former NHSN Category “OTH - other” is not mapped to ICD-10-PCS and CPT
codes. Any infections associated with procedures not included in one of the mapped

January 2018 9-2

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

NHSN Operative Procedure Categories are not considered an NHSN surgical site
infection, although it may be a healthcare-associated infection.

Definition of an NHSN Operative Procedure

An NHSN Operative Procedure is a procedure:

 that is included in the ICD-10-PCS or CPT NHSN operative procedure code mapping
And
 takes place during an operation where at least one incision (including laparoscopic
approach and cranial Burr holes) is made through the skin or mucous membrane, or
reoperation via an incision that was left open during a prior operative procedure
And
 takes place in an operating room (OR), defined as a patient care area that met the
Facilities Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) or American Institute of Architects’ (AIA)
criteria for an operating room when it was constructed or renovated11. This may include
an operating room, C-section room, interventional radiology room, or a cardiac
catheterization lab.

Exclusions: Otherwise eligible procedures that are assigned an ASA score of 6 are not eligible
for NHSN SSI surveillance.

Note: Incisional closure method is NOT a part of the NHSN operative procedure definition; all
otherwise eligible procedures are included, regardless of closure type. Therefore both
primarily closed procedures and those that are not closed primarily should be entered into the
denominator data for procedures in the facility’s monthly reporting plan. Any SSIs attributable
to either primarily closed or non-primarily closed procedures should be reported.

NHSN Operative Procedure Category Mappings to ICD-10-PCS and CPT Codes:

ICD-10-PCS and CPT Code mappings to NHSN operative procedures categories can be found
in the “Supporting Materials” section of the SSI Protocol on the NHSN website.

Denominator for Procedure Definitions:

ASA physical status: Assessment by the anesthesiologist of the patient’s preoperative physical
condition using the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Classification of Physical
Status12,13. Patient is assigned one of the following:
1. A normally healthy patient
2. A patient with mild systemic disease
3. A patient with severe systemic disease
4. A patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life
5. A moribund patient who is not expected to survive without the operation.

January 2018 9-3

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Note: Do NOT report procedures with an ASA physical status of 6 (a declared brain-dead
patient whose organs are being removed for donor purposes) to NHSN.

Date of event (DOE): For an SSI, the date of event is the date when the first element used to
meet the SSI infection criterion occurs for the first time during the SSI surveillance period.
The date of event must fall within the SSI surveillance period to meet SSI criteria. The type of
SSI (superficial incisional, deep incisional, or organ/space) reported should reflect the deepest
tissue layer involved in the infection during the surveillance period. The date of event should
be the date that the patient met criteria for the deepest level of infection. Synonym: infection
date.

All symptoms required to meet an SSI criteria usually occur within a 7-10 day timeframe with
no more than 2-3 days between elements. The elements must be relational to each other,
meaning you should ensure the elements all associate to the SSI and this can only happen if
elements occur in a relatively tight timeframe. Each case differs based on the individual
elements occurring and the type of SSI.

Diabetes: The NHSN SSI surveillance definition of diabetes indicates that the patient has a
diagnosis of diabetes requiring management with insulin or a non-insulin anti-diabetic agent.
This includes patients with “insulin resistance” who are on management with anti-diabetic
agents. This also includes patients with a diagnosis of diabetes who are noncompliant with
their diabetes medications.

The ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes that reflect the diagnosis of diabetes are also acceptable for
use to answer YES to the diabetes field question on the denominator for procedure entry if
they are documented during the admission where the procedure is performed. These codes are
found on the NHSN website in the SSI section under “Supporting Materials”. The NHSN
definition excludes patients with no diagnosis of diabetes. The definition also excludes patients
who receive insulin for perioperative control of hyperglycemia but have no diagnosis of
diabetes.

Duration of operative procedure: The interval in hours and minutes between the
Procedure/Surgery Start Time, and the Procedure/Surgery Finish Time, as defined by the
Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors (AACD)14:
 Procedure/Surgery Start Time (PST): Time when the procedure is begun (for example,
incision for a surgical procedure).
 Procedure/Surgery Finish (PF): Time when all instrument and sponge counts are
completed and verified as correct, all postoperative radiologic studies to be done in the
OR are completed, all dressings and drains are secured, and the physicians/surgeons
have completed all procedure-related activities on the patient.

Emergency operative procedure: A procedure that is documented per the facilities protocol to
be an Emergency or Urgent procedure.

January 2018 9-4

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

General anesthesia: The administration of drugs or gases that enter the general circulation and
affect the central nervous system to render the patient pain free, amnesic, unconscious, and
often paralyzed with relaxed muscles. This does not include conscious sedation.

Height: The patient’s most recent height documented in the medical record in feet (ft.) and
inches (in.), or meters (m).

NHSN Inpatient Operative Procedure: An NHSN operative procedure performed on a patient

whose date of admission to the healthcare facility and the date of discharge are different
calendar days.

NHSN Outpatient Operative Procedure: An NHSN operative procedure performed on a patient

whose date of admission to the healthcare facility and date of discharge are the same calendar
day.

Non-primary Closure is defined as closure of the surgical wound in a way which leaves the
skin level completely open following the surgery. Closure of any portion of the skin represents
primary closure (see below). For surgeries with non-primary closure, the deep tissue layers
may be closed by some means (with the skin level left open), or the deep and superficial layers
may both be left completely open. An example of a surgery with non-primary closure would
be a laparotomy in which the incision was closed to the level of the deep tissue layers,
sometimes called “fascial layers” or “deep fascia,” but the skin level was left open. Another
example would be an “open abdomen” case in which the abdomen is left completely open after
the surgery. Wounds with non-primary closure may or may not be described as "packed” with
gauze or other material, and may or may not be covered with plastic, “wound vacs,” or other
synthetic devices or materials.

Primary Closure is defined as closure of the skin level during the original surgery, regardless
of the presence of wires, wicks, drains, or other devices or objects extruding through the
incision. This category includes surgeries where the skin is closed by some means. Thus, if
any portion of the incision is closed at the skin level, by any manner, a designation of primary
closure should be assigned to the surgery.

Note: If a procedure has multiple incision/laparoscopic trocar sites and any of the incisions are
closed primarily then the procedure technique is recorded as primary closed.

Scope: An instrument used to visualize the interior of a body cavity or organ. In the context of
an NHSN operative procedure, use of a scope involves creation of several small incisions to
perform or assist in the performance of an operation rather than use of a traditional larger
incision (specifically, open approach). Robotic assistance is considered equivalent to use of a
scope for NHSN SSI surveillance. See also Instructions for Completion of Denominator for
Procedure Form and both Numerator Data and Denominator Data reporting instructions in this
chapter.

January 2018 9-5

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

ICD-10-PCS codes can be helpful in answering this scope question. The fifth character
indicates the approach to reach the procedure site. A value of zero (0) as the fifth character
represents an open approach and a value of four (4) as the fifth character represents a
percutaneous endoscopic approach. If the fifth character of the ICD-10-PCS code is a four (4)
then the field for scope can be YES.

Secondary BSI Attribution Period for SSI: The secondary BSI attribution period for SSI is a
17-day period that includes the date of event, 3 days prior, and 13 days after. For detailed
instructions on determining whether identification of an organisms from a blood specimen
represents a secondary BSI, refer to the Secondary BSI Guide (Appendix B of the BSI Event
Protocol).

Trauma: Blunt or penetrating injury occurring prior to the start of the procedure.
Note: Complex trauma cases may require multiple trips to the OR during the same admission
to repair the initial trauma. In such cases, trauma = yes.

Weight: The patient’s most recent weight documented in the medical record in pounds (lbs.) or
kilograms (kg) prior to or otherwise closest to the procedure.

Wound class: An assessment of the degree of contamination of a surgical wound at the time of
the operation. Wound class should be assigned by a person involved in the surgical procedure
(for example, surgeon, circulating nurse, etc.). The wound class system used in NHSN is an
adaptation of the American College of Surgeons wound classification schema.

Based on feedback from external experts in the field of surgery, there are a group of NHSN
procedures that can never be recorded as clean. These surgical procedure categories are APPY,
BILI, CHOL, COLO, REC, SB, and VHYS. Therefore, for these procedures in the application
clean is not an option on the drop down menu.

All other surgical procedure categories can be entered as clean procedures within the NHSN
application. For example CSEC, HYST, or OVRY can be a clean wound class if documented
as such.

Wounds are divided into four classes:

1. Clean: An uninfected operative wound in which no inflammation is encountered and

the respiratory, alimentary, genital, or uninfected urinary tracts are not entered. In
addition, clean wounds are primarily closed and, if necessary, drained with closed
drainage. Operative incisional wounds that follow nonpenetrating (blunt) trauma
should be included in this category if they meet the criteria.

Note: The clean wound classification level will not be available for denominator data
entry for the following NHSN operative procedure categories: APPY, BILI, CHOL,
COLO, REC, SB, and VHYS

January 2018 9-6

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

2. Clean-Contaminated: Operative wounds in which the respiratory, alimentary, genital,

or urinary tracts are entered under controlled conditions and without unusual
contamination. Specifically, operations involving the biliary tract, appendix, vagina,
and oropharynx are included in this category, provided no evidence of infection or
major break in technique is encountered.

3. Contaminated: Open, fresh, accidental wounds. In addition, operations with major

breaks in sterile technique (for example, open cardiac massage) or gross spillage from
the gastrointestinal tract, and incisions in which acute, nonpurulent inflammation is
encountered, including necrotic tissue without evidence of purulent drainage (for
example, dry gangrene), are included in this category.

4. Dirty or Infected: Includes old traumatic wounds with retained devitalized tissue and
those that involve existing clinical infection or perforated viscera. This definition
suggests that the organisms causing postoperative infection were present in the
operative field before the operation.

January 2018 9-7

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Table 1. Surgical Site Infection Criteria

Criterion Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

Superficial incisional SSI
Must meet the following criteria:
Date of event for infection occurs within 30 days after any NHSN
operative procedure (where day 1 = the procedure date)
AND
involves only skin and subcutaneous tissue of the incision
AND
patient has at least one of the following:
a. purulent drainage from the superficial incision.
b. organisms identified from an aseptically-obtained specimen
from the superficial incision or subcutaneous tissue by a culture or
non-culture based microbiologic testing method which is
performed for purposes of clinical diagnosis or treatment (for
example, not Active Surveillance Culture/Testing (ASC/AST).
c. superficial incision that is deliberately opened by a surgeon,
attending physician** or other designee and culture or non-culture
based testing is not performed.
AND
patient has at least one of the following signs or symptoms: pain or
tenderness; localized swelling; erythema; or heat.
d. diagnosis of a superficial incisional SSI by the surgeon or
attending physician** or other designee.

www.cdc.gov/nhsn/xls/icd10-pcs-pcm-nhsn-opc.xlsx
www.cdc.gov/nhsn/xls/cpt-pcm-nhsn.xlsx

** The term attending physician for the purposes of application of the

NHSN SSI criteria may be interpreted to mean the surgeon(s), infectious
disease, other physician on the case, emergency physician or physician’s
designee (nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant).

January 2018 9-8

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Comments There are two specific types of superficial incisional SSIs:

1. Superficial Incisional Primary (SIP) – a superficial incisional SSI
that is identified in the primary incision in a patient that has had an
operation with one or more incisions (for example, C-section
incision or chest incision for CBGB)
2. Superficial Incisional Secondary (SIS) – a superficial incisional
SSI that is identified in the secondary incision in a patient that has
had an operation with more than one incision (for example, donor
site incision for CBGB)
Reporting The following do not qualify as criteria for meeting the NHSN
Instructions definition of superficial SSI:
for  Diagnosis/treatment of cellulitis (redness/warmth/swelling), by itself,
Superficial does not meet criterion “d” for superficial incisional SSI. Conversely,
SSI an incision that is draining or that has organisms identified by culture
or non-culture based testing is not considered a cellulitis.
 A stitch abscess alone (minimal inflammation and discharge confined
to the points of suture penetration).
 A localized stab wound or pin site infection- Such an infection might
be considered either a skin (SKIN) or soft tissue (ST) infection,
depending on its depth, but not an SSI
Note: A laparoscopic trocar site for an NHSN operative procedure is
not considered a stab wound.
 Circumcision is not an NHSN operative procedure. An infected
circumcision site in newborns is classified as CIRC and is not an SSI
 An infected burn wound is classified as BURN and is not an SSI.

January 2018 9-9

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Deep incisional SSI

Must meet the following criteria:
The date of event for infection occurs within 30 or 90 days after the
NHSN operative procedure (where day 1 = the procedure date) according
to the list in Table 2
AND
involves deep soft tissues of the incision (for example, fascial and muscle
layers)
AND
patient has at least one of the following:
a. purulent drainage from the deep incision.
b. a deep incision that spontaneously dehisces, or is deliberately
opened or aspirated by a surgeon, attending physician** or other
designee
AND
organism is identified by a culture or non-culture based
microbiologic testing method which is performed for purposes of
clinical diagnosis or treatment (for example, not Active
Surveillance Culture/Testing (ASC/AST) or culture or non-culture
based microbiologic testing method is not performed
AND
patient has at least one of the following signs or symptoms: fever
(>38°C); localized pain or tenderness. A culture or non-culture
based test that has a negative finding does not meet this criterion.
c. an abscess or other evidence of infection involving the deep
incision that is detected on gross anatomical or histopathologic
exam, or imaging test.

** The term attending physician for the purposes of application of the

NHSN SSI criteria may be interpreted to mean the surgeon(s), infectious
disease, other physician on the case, emergency physician or physician’s
designee (nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant).

Comments There are two specific types of deep incisional SSIs:

1. Deep Incisional Primary (DIP) – a deep incisional SSI that is
identified in a primary incision in a patient that has had an
operation with one or more incisions (for example, C-section
incision or chest incision for CBGB)
2. Deep Incisional Secondary (DIS) – a deep incisional SSI that is
identified in the secondary incision in a patient that has had an
operation with more than one incision (for example, donor site
incision for CBGB)

January 2018 9-10

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Organ/Space SSI
Must meet the following criteria:
Date of event for infection occurs within 30 or 90 days after the NHSN
operative procedure (where day 1 = the procedure date) according to the
list in Table 2
AND
infection involves any part of the body deeper than the fascial/muscle
layers, that is opened or manipulated during the operative procedure
AND
patient has at least one of the following:
a. purulent drainage from a drain that is placed into the organ/space
(for example, closed suction drainage system, open drain, T-tube
drain, CT guided drainage)
b. organisms are identified from fluid or tissue in the organ/space by
a culture or non-culture based microbiologic testing method which
is performed for purposes of clinical diagnosis or treatment (for
example, not Active Surveillance Culture/Testing (ASC/AST).
c. an abscess or other evidence of infection involving the
organ/space that is detected on gross anatomical or histopathologic
exam, or imaging test evidence suggestive of infection.
AND
meets at least one criterion for a specific organ/space infection site listed
in Table 3. These criteria are found in the Surveillance Definitions for
Specific Types of Infections chapter.

January 2018 9-11

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Table 2. Surveillance Periods for SSI Following Selected NHSN Operative Procedure
Categories. Day 1 = the date of the procedure.

30-day Surveillance
Code Operative Procedure Code Operative Procedure
AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair LAM Laminectomy
AMP Limb amputation LTP Liver transplant
APPY Appendix surgery NECK Neck surgery
AVSD Shunt for dialysis NEPH Kidney surgery
BILI Bile duct, liver or pancreatic surgery OVRY Ovarian surgery
CEA Carotid endarterectomy PRST Prostate surgery
CHOL Gallbladder surgery REC Rectal surgery
COLO Colon surgery SB Small bowel surgery
CSEC Cesarean section SPLE Spleen surgery
GAST Gastric surgery THOR Thoracic surgery
HTP Heart transplant THYR Thyroid and/or parathyroid
surgery
HYST Abdominal hysterectomy VHYS Vaginal hysterectomy
KTP Kidney transplant XLAP Exploratory Laparotomy
90-day Surveillance
Code Operative Procedure
BRST Breast surgery
CARD Cardiac surgery
CBGB Coronary artery bypass graft with both chest and donor site incisions
CBGC Coronary artery bypass graft with chest incision only
CRAN Craniotomy
FUSN Spinal fusion
FX Open reduction of fracture
HER Herniorrhaphy
HPRO Hip prosthesis
KPRO Knee prosthesis
PACE Pacemaker surgery
PVBY Peripheral vascular bypass surgery
VSHN Ventricular shunt

Note: Superficial incisional SSIs are only followed for a 30-day period for all procedure types.

Secondary incisional SSIs are only followed for a 30-day period regardless of the surveillance
period for the primary site.

January 2018 9-12

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Table 3. Specific Sites of an Organ/Space SSI.

(Criteria for these sites can be found in the Surveillance Definitions for Specific Types of
Infections chapter).

Note: Appendix contains a list of all NHSN operative procedure groups and the site specific
SSIs that that may be attributable for each group.

Numerator Data: All patients having any of the procedures included in the selected NHSN
operative procedure category(s) are monitored for SSI. The Surgical Site Infection (SSI) form
is completed for each SSI. If no SSI events are identified during the surveillance month, check
the “Report No Events” field in the Missing PA Events tab of the Incomplete/Missing List.

The Instructions for Completion of the Surgical Site Infection form include brief instructions
for collection and entry of each data element on the form. The SSI form includes patient
demographic information and information about the operative procedure, including the date
and type of procedure. Information about the SSI includes the date of SSI, specific criteria met
for identifying the SSI, when/how the SSI was detected, whether the patient developed a
secondary bloodstream infection, whether the patient died, the organism(s) identified and the
organisms’ antimicrobial susceptibilities.

January 2018 9-13

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

SSI Event Reporting Instructions:

1. Excluded organisms: Well-known community associated organisms (organisms

belonging to the following genera: Blastomyces, Histoplasma, Coccidioides,
Paracoccidioides, Cryptococcus and Pneumocystis) and/or organisms associated with
latent infections (for example, herpes zoster [shingles], herpes simplex, syphilis, or
tuberculosis) are excluded from meeting SSI criteria.

2. Attributing SSI to an NHSN procedure when there is evidence of infection at the

time of the primary surgery: The Present on Admission (POA) definition does not
apply to the SSI protocol. If evidence of infection is present at the time of the
procedure and the patient meets the NHSN SSI criteria during the SSI surveillance
period, an SSI is attributed to the procedure (see PATOS below). A high wound class
is not an exclusion for a patient later meeting criteria for an SSI, but in most cases is
included as a risk factor for SSI in risk modeling.

3. Infection present at time of surgery (PATOS): PATOS denotes that there is

evidence of an infection or abscess at the start of or during the index surgical procedure
(in other words, it is present preoperatively). PATOS is a YES/NO field on the SSI
Event form. The evidence of infection or abscess must be noted/documented
intraoperatively in an operative note or report of surgery. Only select PATOS = YES if
it applies to the depth of SSI that is being attributed to the procedures (for example, if a
patient has evidence of an intraabdominal infection at the time of surgery and then later
returns with an organ/space SSI the PATOS field would be selected as a YES. If the
patient returned with a superficial or deep incisional SSI the PATOS field would be
selected as a NO). The patient does not have to meet the NHSN definition of an SSI at
the time of the primary procedure but there must be notation that there is evidence of
an infection or abscess present at the time of surgery. PATOS is not necessarily
diagnosis driven.
 The use of the ending “itis” in an operative note/report does not necessarily
meet PATOS, as it may only reflect inflammation which is not infectious in
nature (for example, diverticulitis, peritonitis, and appendicitis)
 Identification of an organism alone using culture or non-culture based
microbiologic testing method or on a pathology report from a surgical specimen
does not = PATOS (specifically, a positive culture/path report without surgical
documentation of infection is not PATOS = yes).
 The following verbiage alone without specific mention of infection does not
meet the PATOS definition: colon perforation, necrosis, gangrene, fecal
spillage, nicked bowel during procedure, or a note of inflammation.
 Fresh trauma resulting in a contaminated case does not necessarily meet the
PATOS requirement. For example, a fresh gunshot wound to the abdomen will
be a trauma case with a high wound class but there would not have been time
for infection to develop.

January 2018 9-14

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

 PATOS can be met when an abscess is noted, there is mention of infection in

the OR note, purulence or pus is noted, or “feculent peritonitis” is noted, etc.
An infected appendix that has ruptured will meet PATOS =Yes, if the patient
has a subsequent intraabdominal organ space SSI.

Example:
1. Patient admitted with an acute abdomen. Sent to OR for an XLAP where there is a
finding of an abscess due to ruptured appendix and an APPY is performed. Patient
returns two weeks later and meets criteria for an organ/space IAB SSI. The
PATOS field would be selected as YES on the SSI event since an abscess was
noted at the time of surgery in the same level as the subsequent SSI.
2. Patient is admitted with a ruptured diverticulum. In the OR note the surgeon
documents that there are multiple abscesses in the intraabdominal cavity. Patient
returns three weeks later and meets criteria for a superficial SSI. The PATOS field
would be selected as NO since there was no documentation of evidence of
infection or abscess of the superficial area at the time of the procedure.
3. During an unplanned cesarean section (CSEC) the surgeon nicks the bowel and
there is contamination of the intraabdominal cavity. One week later the patient
returns and meets criteria for an organ/space OREP (other reproductive) SSI. The
PATOS field would be selected as NO since there was no documentation of
evidence of infection or abscess at the time of the CSEC. The colon nick was a
complication but there was no infection present at the time of surgery.
4. Patient undergoes a foot amputation (AMP) due to “dry-gangrene” of the foot from
chronic ischemia. There is no evidence of infection at the time of surgery. The
word gangrene is not sufficient to qualify for infection. The patient returns two
weeks later and has a superficial SSI. The PATOS field would be selected as NO
since there was no documentation of evidence of infection or abscess at the time of
AMP-amputation
Note: For more information about PATOS see: PATOS-Infection
4. Multiple tissue levels are involved in the infection: The type of SSI (superficial
incisional, deep incisional, or organ/space) reported should reflect the deepest tissue
layer involved in the infection during the surveillance period. The date of event should
be the date that the patient met criteria for the deepest level of infection:
 Report infection that involves the organ/space as an organ/space SSI, whether
or not it also involves the superficial or deep incision sites.
 Report infection that involves the superficial and deep incisional sites as a deep
incisional SSI.

January 2018 9-15

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

 If an SSI started as a deep incisional SSI on day 10 of the SSI surveillance

period and then a week later, (day 17 of the SSI surveillance period) meets
criteria for an organ space SSI the date of event would be the date of the organ
space SSI.

5. Reporting of SSI after a non-primary closure: If a patient develops an SSI after a

non-primary closure it should be attributed to that procedure if it meets criteria for an
SSI within the appropriate surveillance period.

6. Attributing SSI to a NHSN procedure when several are performed on different

dates: If a patient has several NHSN operative procedures performed on different dates
prior to an infection, attribute the SSI to the operative procedure that was performed
most closely in time prior to the infection date, unless there is evidence that the
infection was associated with a different operation.

Note: For multiple NHSN operative procedures performed within a 24 hour period, see
Denominator Reporting Instruction #9.

7. Attributing SSI to NHSN procedures that involve multiple primary incision sites:
If multiple primary incision sites of the same NHSN operative procedure become
infected, only report as a single SSI, and assign the type of SSI (superficial incisional,
deep incisional, or organ/space) that represents the deepest tissue level involved at any
of the infected sites. For example:
 If one laparoscopic incision meets criteria for a superficial incisional SSI and
another meets criteria for a deep incisional SSI, only report one deep incisional
SSI.
 If one or more laparoscopic incision sites meet criteria for superficial incisional
SSI but the patient also has an organ/space SSI related to the laparoscopic
procedure, only report one organ/space SSI.
 If an operative procedure is limited to a single breast and involves multiple
incisions in that breast that become infected, only report a single SSI.
 In a colostomy formation or reversal (take down) procedure, the stoma and
other abdominal incision sites are considered primary incisions. If both the
stoma and another abdominal incision site develop superficial incisional SSI,
report only as one SSI (SIP).

8. Attributing SSI to NHSN procedures that have secondary incision sites: Certain
procedures can involve secondary incisions (specifically the following, BRST, CBGB,
CEA, FUSN, PVBY, REC, and VSHN). The surveillance period for all secondary sites
is 30 days, regardless of the required deep incisional or organ/space SSI surveillance
period for the primary incision site(s) (Table 2). Procedures meeting this designation
are reported as only one operative procedure. For example:
 A saphenous vein harvest incision site in a CBGB procedure is considered the
secondary incision. One CBGB procedure is reported, the saphenous vein

January 2018 9-16

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

harvest site is monitored for 30 days after surgery for SSI, and the chest
incision is monitored for 90 days. If the patient has a superficial infection of the
leg site and a deep incisional SSI of the chest site two SSIs are reported.
 A tissue harvest site (for example, Transverse Rectus Abdominis
Myocutaneous [TRAM] flap) in a BRST procedure is considered the secondary
incision site. One BRST procedure is reported, and if the secondary incision
gets infected, report as either SIS or DIS as appropriate.

9. SSI detected at another facility: It is required that if an SSI is detected at a facility

other than the one in which the operation was performed, the IP of the index facility
will be provided with enough detail so the infection can be reported to NHSN. When
reporting the SSI, the index facility should indicate that Detected = RO – (Readmission
to facility other than where procedure was performed).

10. SSI Attribution after Multiple types of NHSN procedures are performed during a
single trip to the OR: If more than one NHSN operative procedure category was
performed through a single incision/laparoscopic sites during a single trip to the
operating room, attribute the SSI to the procedure that is thought to be associated with
the infection. If it is not clear, as is often the case when the infection is an incisional
SSI, use the NHSN Principal Operative Procedure Category Selection Lists (Table 4) to
select the operative procedure to which the SSI should be attributed. For example, if a
patient develops SSI after a single trip to the OR in which both a COLO and SB were
performed, and the source of the SSI is not apparent, assign the SSI to the COLO
procedure.

11. SSI following invasive manipulation/accession of the operative site: An SSI will not
be attributed if the following 3 criteria are ALL met:

• during the post-operative period the surgical site is without evidence of

infection and,
• an invasive manipulation/accession of the site is performed for diagnostic or
therapeutic purposes (for example, needle aspiration, accession of ventricular
shunts, accession of breast expanders) and,
• an infection subsequently develops in a tissue level which was entered during
the manipulation/accession.

Tissue levels that are BELOW the deepest entered level will be eligible for SSI. For
example, a superficial debridement following a COLO procedure, where the
muscle/fascia and organ/space was not entered, a subsequent organ/space SSI
following the debridment may be an SSI attributable to the index COLO procedure.
This reporting instruction does NOT apply to closed manipulation (for example, closed
reduction of a dislocated hip after an orthopedic procedure). Invasive manipulation
does not include wound packing, or changing of wound packing materials as part of
postoperative care.

January 2018 9-17

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

12. Reporting instructions for post-operative infection scenarios: An SSI that

otherwise meets the NHSN definitions should be reported to NHSN without regard to
post-operative accidents, falls, inappropriate showering or bathing practices, or other
occurrences that may or may not be attributable to patients’ intentional or unintentional
postoperative actions. SSI should also be reported regardless of the presence of certain
skin conditions (for example, dermatitis, blister, impetigo) that occur near an incision,
and regardless of the possible occurrence of a “seeding” event from an unrelated
procedure (for example, dental work). This instruction concerning various
postoperative circumstances is necessary to reduce subjectivity and data collection
burden.

January 2018 9-18

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Table 4. NHSN Principal Operative Procedure Category Selection Lists

(The categories with the highest risk of SSI are listed before those with lower risks).
Priority Code Abdominal Operations
1 LTP Liver transplant
2 COLO Colon surgery
3 BILI Bile duct, liver or pancreatic surgery
4 SB Small bowel surgery
5 REC Rectal surgery
6 KTP Kidney transplant
7 GAST Gastric surgery
8 AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
9 HYST Abdominal hysterectomy
10 CSEC Cesarean section
11 XLAP Laparotomy
12 APPY Appendix surgery
13 HER Herniorrhaphy
14 NEPH Kidney surgery
15 VHYS Vaginal Hysterectomy
16 SPLE Spleen surgery
17 CHOL Gall bladder surgery
18 OVRY Ovarian surgery
Priority Code Thoracic Operations
1 HTP Heart transplant
2 CBGB Coronary artery bypass graft with donor incision(s)
3 CBGC Coronary artery bypass graft, chest incision only
4 CARD Cardiac surgery
5 THOR Thoracic surgery
Priority Code Neurosurgical (Brain/Spine) Operations
1 VSHN Ventricular shunt
2 CRAN Craniotomy
3 FUSN Spinal fusion
4 LAM Laminectomy
Priority Code Neck Operations
1 NECK Neck surgery
2 THYR Thyroid and or parathyroid surgery

Denominator Data: For all patients having any of the procedures included in the NHSN
Operative Procedure category(s) for which SSI surveillance is being performed during the
month, complete the Denominator for Procedure form. The data are collected individually for
each operative procedure performed during the month specified on the Patient Safety Monthly
Reporting Plan. The Instructions for Completion of the Denominator for Procedure Form
include brief instructions for collection and entry of each data element on the form.

January 2018 9-19

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Denominator Reporting Instructions:

1. Closure type: Incisional closure type does not exclude a procedure from SSI surveillance.
All otherwise eligible procedures are included in the denominator reporting, regardless of
closure type. The closure technique is entered for each denominator for procedure. If a
procedure has multiple incision sites and any of the incisions are closed primarily then the
procedure is entered as a primary closure.

Note: If a patient returns to the OR within 24 hours of the end of the first procedure, assign
the surgical wound closure that applies when the patient leaves the OR from the first
operative procedure.

2. Wound class: A high wound class is not an exclusion for denominator reporting. If the
procedure meets the definition of an NHSN operative procedure it should be reported in
the denominator data regardless of wound class. NHSN will use the wound class for risk
adjustment, as appropriate.

3. Different operative procedure categories performed during same trip to the OR: If
procedures in more than one NHSN operative procedure category are performed during the
same trip to the operating room through the same or different incisions, a Denominator for
Procedure form is reported for each NHSN operative procedure category being monitored.
For example, if a CARD and CBGC are done through the same incision, a Denominator
for Procedure form is reported for each. In another example, if following a motor vehicle
accident, a patient has an open reduction of fracture (FX) and splenectomy (SPLE)
performed during the same trip to the operating room and both procedure categories are
being monitored, complete a Denominator for Procedure form for each.
EXCEPTION: If a patient has both a CBGC and CBGB during the same trip to the
operating room, report only as a CBGB. Only report as a CBGC if there is only a chest
incision. CBGB and CBGC are never reported for the same patient for the same trip to the
operating room.

4. Duration of the procedure when more than one category of NHSN operative
procedure is performed through the same incision: If more than one NHSN operative
procedure category is performed through the same incision during the same trip to the
operating room, record the combined duration of all procedures, which is the time from
procedure/surgery start time to procedure/surgery finish time. For example, if a CBGC and
a CARD are performed on a patient during the same trip to the operating room, the time
from start time to finish time is reported for both operative procedures.

5. Duration of Operative procedures if patient has two different NHSN operative

procedures performed via separate incisions on the same trip to the OR; try to
determine the correct duration for each separate procedure (if this is documented),
otherwise, take the time for both procedures and split it evenly between the two.

January 2018 9-20

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

6. Same operative procedure category but different ICD-10-PCS or CPT codes during
same trip to the OR: If procedures of different ICD-10-PCS or CPT codes from the same
NHSN operative procedure category are performed through the same incision/laparoscopic
sites, record only one procedure for that category. For example, a facility is performing
surveillance for CARD procedures. A patient undergoes a replacement of both the mitral
and tricuspid valves during the same trip to the operating room. Complete one CARD
Denominator for Procedure form because both procedures are in the same operative
procedure category [CARD].

7. For revision HPRO and KPRO procedures: If total or partial revision HPRO or KPRO
is performed, determine if any of the ICD-10-PCS/CM diagnosis or procedure codes
indicating infection (see link below) were coded for that joint in the 90 days prior to and
including the index HPRO or KPRO revision. If any of the specified codes are recorded,
indicate on the denominator form that the revision was associated with ‘prior infection at
index joint’ = YES. Note that the ‘prior infection at index joint’ variable only applies to
revision HPRO and KPRO. The cases designated ‘prior infection at index joint’ = yes
should be validated before the procedure is submitted to NHSN. This validation is
necessary to ensure the code is aligned with the index joint revision. The ICD-10-PCS/CM
code mapping guidance is found on the NHSN website in the SSI section under
“Supporting Materials.”

8. Same NHSN operative procedure via separate incisions: For operative procedures that
can be performed via separate incisions during same trip to operating room (specifically
the following, AMP, BRST, CEA, FUSN, FX, HER, HPRO, KPRO, LAM, NEPH,
OVRY, PVBY), separate Denominator for Procedure forms are completed. To document
the duration of the procedures, indicate the procedure/surgery start time to
procedure/surgery finish time for each procedure separately or, alternatively, take the total
time for the procedures and split it evenly between procedures.

Notes:
 A COLO procedure with a colostomy formation is entered as one COLO procedure.
 Laparoscopic hernia repairs are considered one procedure, regardless of the number of
hernias that are repaired in that trip to the OR. In most cases there will be only one
incision time documented for this procedure. If more than one time is documented,
total the durations. Open (specifically, non-laparoscopic) hernia repairs are reported as
one procedure for each hernia repaired via a separate incision, (specifically, if two
incisions are made to repair two defects), then two procedures will be reported. It is
anticipated that separate incision times will be recorded for these procedures. If not,
take the total time for both procedures and split it evenly between the two.

January 2018 9-21

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

9. More than one operative procedure through same incision within 24 hours: If a
patient goes to the operating room more than once during the same admission and another
procedure is performed through the same incision and if the start time of the second
procedure is within 24 hours of the finish time of the original operative incision, report
only one Denominator for Procedure form for the original procedure, combining the
durations for both procedures based on the procedure start times and finish times for both
procedures. For example, a patient has a CBGB lasting 4 hours. He returns to the OR six
hours later for another NHSN operative procedure via the same incision (for example,
CARD). The second operation has duration of 1.5 hours. Record the operative procedure
as one CBGB and the duration of operation as 5 hour 30 minutes. If the wound class has
changed, report the higher wound class. If the ASA class has changed, report the higher
ASA class. Do not report the CARD procedure in your denominator data.

Note: When the patient returns to the OR within 24 hours of the end of the first procedure
assign the surgical wound closure technique that applies when the patient leaves the OR
from the first operative procedure.

10. Patient expires in the OR: If a patient expires in the operating room, do not complete a
Denominator for Procedure form. This operative procedure is excluded from the
denominator.

11. HYST or VHYS: When assigning the correct ICD-10-PCS or CPT hysterectomy
procedure codes, a medical record coder must determine what structures were detached
and how they were detached based on the medical record documentation.

January 2018 9-22

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Data Analyses: The Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) is calculated by dividing the number
of observed infections by the number of predicted (expected) infections. The number of
predicted infections is calculated using SSI probabilities estimated from multivariate logistic
regression models constructed from NHSN data during a baseline time period, which
represents a standard population’s SSI experience4. The procedures/SSI occurring in adults are
modeled separately from those occurring in pediatrics.

There are three main SSI SIR Models available from NHSN, each briefly described in the table
below. The first two models, the All SSI SIR and the Complex A/R SSI SIR models, are
available for procedures/SSI occurring in both adults and pediatric patients, while the third
model, the Complex 30-day SSI SIR is available for procedures/SSI occurring in adults only.

All SSI SIR  Includes only inpatient procedures (under the 2015 baselilne)
Model  Includes Superficial, Deep & Organ/Space SSIs
 Superficial & Deep incisional SSIs limited to primary incisional SSIs only
 Includes SSIs identified on admission, readmission & via post-discharge
surveillance
Complex  Includes only Deep incisional primary SSIs & Organ/Space SSIs
A/R SSI  Includes only SSIs identified on Admission/Readmission to facility where
Model procedure was performed
 Includes only inpatient procedures
 Used for the HAI Progress Report, published annually by CDC
Complex  Includes only in-plan, inpatient COLO and HYST procedures in adult
30-day SSI patients (i.e., ≥ 18 years of age)
model (used  Includes only deep incisional primary SSIs and organ/space SSIs with an
for CMS event date within 30 days of the procedure
IPPS)  Includes SSIs identified on admission, readmission & via post-discharge
surveillance
 Uses Diabetes, ASA score, gender, age, BMI, oncology hospital and
closure technique to determine risk for COLO (under the 2015
baseline, BS2)
Diabetes, ASA score, age, BMI and oncology hospital to determine
risk for HYST (under the 2015 baseline, BS2)
 NOTE: The Complex 30-day SSI model, under the 2006-2008 baseline,
BS1, uses only age and ASA to determine risk for both COLO and HYST
(BS1 applies to data up to 2016)
 Used only for CMS IPPS reporting and for public reporting on Hospital
Compare

While the SSI SIR can be calculated for single procedure categories and for specific surgeons,
the measure also allows you to summarize your data across multiple procedure categories
while adjusting for differences in the estimated probability of infection among the patients
included across the procedure categories. For example, you will be able to obtain one SSI SIR

January 2018 9-23

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

adjusting for all procedures reported. Alternatively, you can obtain one SSI SIR for all colon
surgeries (COLO) only within your facility.

Additional Notes about SSI SIRS:

1. Rebaseline of NHSN data: The new baseline, termed BS2, and updated risk-
adjustments of HAI data using the 2015 NHSN data is available in the application as of
January 2017. The new baseline can be applied to 2015 data and forward. The older
baseline, termed BS1, which used the 2006-2008 NHSN data, will also be available in
the application and may be applied to only the 2016 data and older.
2. Closure technique: All of the SSI SIRs that use the 2006-2008 SSI baseline data will
include only those procedures that were reported with a primary closure method.3 All
of the SSI SIRs that use the 2015 baseline data will include all procedures that were
reported with primary or other than primary closure methods.
3. Infection present at time of surgery (PATOS): All of the SSI SIR reports that use the
2006-2008 SSI baseline will include SSIs that are reported as present at time of
surgery. Meaning the PATOS event is included in the numerator of the SIR and the
procedure from which the event occurred is included in the denominator of the SIR. All
of the SSI SIR reports that use the new 2015 SSI baseline will exclude SSIs that are
reported as present at time of surgery from both the numerator and denominator.
Meaning the PATOS event is excluded in the numerator of the SIR and the procedure
from which the event occurred is excluded in the denominator of the SIR.
4. SIRs based on Procedure Date: SSIs will be included in the numerator of an SIR
based on the date of procedure, not the date of event. This is because the procedure
carries the risk for the infection/SSI.
5. Calculation of the SIR: The SIR will be calculated only if the number of predicted
HAIs (“numPred” in the NHSN application, previously known as the number of
expected HAIs, “numExp”) is ≥ 1 to help enforce a minimum precision criterion.
SIR = Observed (O) HAIs
Predicted (P) HAIs

SSI rates per 100 operative procedures are calculated by dividing the number of SSIs by the
number of specific operative procedures and multiplying the results by 100. SSIs will be
included in the numerator of a rate based on the date of procedure, not the date of event. Using
the advanced analysis feature of the NHSN application, SSI rate calculations can be performed
separately for the different types of operative procedures and stratified by the basic risk index.

Descriptive analysis options of numerator and denominator data are available in the NHSN
application, such as line listings, frequency tables, and bar and pie charts. SIRs and SSI rates
and run charts are also available. Guides on using NHSN analysis features are available from:
www.cdc.gov/nhsn/PS-Analysis-resources/reference-guides.html

January 2018 9-24

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

APPENDIX. SSI specific event types attributed to each NHSN procedure category.

Procedure code Specific Event Code

AAA - Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
ENDO - Endocarditis
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
AMP - Limb amputation BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
JNT - Joint or bursa
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
APPY - Appendix surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
AVSD - AV shunt for dialysis DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
BILI - Bile duct, liver or pancreatic surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary

BRST - Breast surgery BRST - Breast abscess or mastitis

DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
CARD - Cardiac surgery BONE - Osteomyelitis
CARD - Myocarditis or pericarditis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
ENDO - Endocarditis
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MED - Mediastinitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection

January 2018 9-25

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

CBGB - Coronary bypass with chest & donor BONE - Osteomyelitis
incisions CARD - Myocarditis or pericarditis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
ENDO - Endocarditis
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MED - Mediastinitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
CBGC - Coronary bypass graft with chest BONE - Osteomyelitis
incision CARD - Myocarditis or pericarditis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
ENDO - Endocarditis
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MED - Mediastinitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
CEA - Carotid endarterectomy DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
CHOL - Gallbladder surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
COLO - Colon surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
CRAN - Craniotomy BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IC - Intracranial infection
MEN - Meningitis or ventriculitis
SINU - Sinusitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary

January 2018 9-26

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

CSEC - Cesarean section DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
EMET - Endometritis
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
FUSN - Spinal fusion BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
DISC - Disc space infection
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
IC - Intracranial infection
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MEN - Meningitis or ventriculitis
SA - Spinal abscess without meningitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
FX - Open reduction of fracture BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
JNT - Joint or bursa
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
GAST - Gastric surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
HER - Herniorrhaphy DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
HPRO - Hip prosthesis BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
PJI - Prosthetic joint infection
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary

January 2018 9-27

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

HTP - Heart transplant BONE - Osteomyelitis
CARD - Myocarditis or pericarditis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
ENDO - Endocarditis
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MED - Mediastinitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
HYST - Abdominal hysterectomy DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VCUF - Vaginal cuff infection
KPRO - Knee prosthesis BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
PJI - Prosthetic joint infection
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
KTP - Kidney transplant DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
LAM - Laminectomy BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DISC - Disc space infection
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
IC - Intracranial infection
MEN - Meningitis or ventriculitis
SA - Spinal abscess without meningitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
LTP - Liver transplant DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection

January 2018 9-28

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

NECK - Neck surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
EAR - Ear, mastoid infection
ORAL - Oral cavity infection (mouth, tongue, or gums)
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
UR - Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis,
laryngitis, epiglottitis
NEPH - Kidney surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
OVRY - Ovarian surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
PACE - Pacemaker surgery CARD - Myocarditis or pericarditis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
ENDO - Endocarditis
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
PRST - Prostate surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
PVBY - Peripheral vascular bypass surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
VASC - Arterial or venous infection
REC - Rectal surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary
USI - Urinary System Infection

January 2018 9-29

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

SB - Small bowel surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection

SPLE - Spleen surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary

IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary

THOR - Thoracic surgery BONE - Osteomyelitis

BRST - Breast abscess or mastitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
LUNG - Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
THYR - Thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
EAR - Ear, mastoid infection
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
UR - Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis,
laryngitis, epiglottitis
VHYS - Vaginal hysterectomy DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection
VCUF - Vaginal cuff infection
VSHN - Ventricular shunt BONE - Osteomyelitis
DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
DIS - Deep Incisional Secondary
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
IC - Intracranial infection
LUNG – Other infections of the lower respiratory tract
MEN - Meningitis or ventriculitis
SA - Spinal abscess without meningitis
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
SIS - Superficial Incisional Secondary

January 2018 9-30

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

Procedure code Specific Event Code

XLAP - Exploratory laparotomy DIP - Deep Incisional Primary
EMET - Endometritis
GIT - Gastrointestinal tract
IAB - Intraabdominal, not specified elsewhere
OREP - Other infection of the male or female
reproductive tract
SIP - Superficial Incisional Primary
USI - Urinary System Infection

January 2018 9-31

 Procedure-associated Module
SSI

References

1. CDC. Data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. 2010 [cited 2013 Dec
10]; Available from:
www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhds/4procedures/2010pro_numberpercentage.pdf.
2. Magill, S.S., et al., "Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in acute care
hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida". Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology, 33(3):
(2012): 283-91.
3. Magill, S.S., et al., "Multistate point-prevalence survey of health care-associated
infections". New England Journal of Medicine, 370(13): (2014): 1198-1208.
4. Mu, Y., et al., "Improving risk-adjusted measures of surgical site infection for the
national healthcare safety network". Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology, 32(10):
(2011): 970-86.
5. CDC National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report, published March
2016, available from: www.cdc.gov/hai/surveillance/progress-report/index.html
6. Awad, S.S., "Adherence to surgical care improvement project measures and post-
operative surgical site infections". Surgical Infection (Larchmt), 13(4): (2012): 234-7.
7. Condon, R.E., et al., "Effectiveness of a surgical wound surveillance program".
Archives of Surgery, 118(3): (1983): 303-7.
8. Consensus paper on the surveillance of surgical wound infections. The Society for
Hospital Epidemiology of America; The Association for Practitioners in Infection
Control; The Centers for Disease Control; The Surgical Infection Society. Infection
Control Hospital Epidemiology, 13(10): (1992): 599-605.
9. Haley, R.W., et al., "The efficacy of infection surveillance and control programs
in preventing nosocomial infections in US hospitals". American Journal of
Epidemiology, 121(2) :(1985):182-205.
10. Berríos-Torres, SI. et al., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for the
Prevention of Surgical Site Infection. JAMA Surg, 152(8): (2017):784-791.
11. Institute, F.G., Guidelines for design and construction of health care facilities. 2010, Chicago,
IL: American Society for Healthcare Engineering.
12. Anonymous, "New classification of physical status". Anesthesiology, 24: (1963):
111.
13. ASA. ASA Physical Status Classification System. [cited 2013 Dec 10]; Available
from: http://www.asahq.org/Home/For-Members/Clinical-Information/ASA-Physical-
Status-Classification-System.
14. Donham, R.T., W.J. Mazzei, and R.L. Jones, Association of Anesthesia Clinical
Directors' Procedure Times Glossary. American Journal of Anesthesiology, 23(5S):
(1996):S1-S12.
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Healthcare Safety
Network (NHSN) Manual: Patient Safety Component. Atlanta, GA: Division of
Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious
Diseases. Available at: www.cdc.gov/nhsn/acute-care-hospital/index.html.

January 2018 9-32