Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system
ICD-10 Codes (37)
G01G02G03G03.0G03.1G03.2G03.8G03.9G04G04.0G04.00G04.01G04.02G04.1G04.2G04.3G04.30G04.31G04.32G04.39G04.8G04.81G04.82G04.89G04.9G04.90G04.91G05G05.3G05.4G06G06.0G06.1G06.2G07G08G09Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for G00-G09 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range G00-G09 covers inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, including bacterial meningitis, nonpyogenic meningitis, encephalitis, and other inflammatory conditions. These codes are used to document various types of inflammation that affect the brain and spinal cord, providing a detailed picture of the patient's condition for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, using additional codes if necessary to describe the patient's condition fully.
- •Use combination codes to document both the disease and its manifestations.
- •Remember to code first any associated underlying condition.
- •For recurrent conditions, use the appropriate code to indicate the frequency of episodes.
- •When coding for postprocedural meningitis, use an additional code to identify the procedure.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of meningitis and the physician confirms a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
- ✓When a patient has been diagnosed with encephalitis due to a specific virus.
- ✓When a patient has a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
- ✓When a patient has postprocedural meningitis.
- ✓When a patient has a recurrent condition, such as recurrent meningitis.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the inflammation is not located in the central nervous system.
- ✗When the condition is not inflammatory in nature.
- ✗When the patient's condition is still under investigation and no definitive diagnosis has been made.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a direct result of trauma, not an inflammatory process.
- ✗When the patient's condition is due to a congenital anomaly.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the G00-G09 range should include a clear and specific diagnosis, the cause of the condition (if known), the location of the inflammation, and any associated conditions or complications. The patient's medical history, clinical findings, and treatment plan should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Cause of the condition
- •Location of the inflammation
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Patient's medical history and clinical findings
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results confirming the diagnosis
- •Imaging studies showing the location and extent of the inflammation
- •Physician's notes on the patient's symptoms and response to treatment
- •Consultation reports from specialists
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with severe headache, fever, and stiff neck. Lumbar puncture confirmed bacterial meningitis. Patient was admitted for intravenous antibiotics.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has meningitis.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the specific type of meningitis or encephalitis
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of the condition
- ⚠Not documenting associated conditions or complications
- ⚠Not providing supporting evidence for the diagnosis
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for inflammatory diseases of the CNS can be complex due to the need for high specificity, the use of combination codes, and the need to code underlying conditions first. However, with careful attention to the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines, accurate coding is achievable.
Key Factors:
- ▸The need to code to the highest level of specificity
- ▸The use of combination codes to document both the disease and its manifestations
- ▸The need to code first any associated underlying condition
- ▸The need to indicate the frequency of episodes for recurrent conditions
- ▸The need to use an additional code for postprocedural meningitis
Specialty Focus
Codes in the G00-G09 range are primarily used by neurologists, infectious disease specialists, and hospitalists. They are also used by other specialists and general practitioners when treating patients with these conditions.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with HIV presents with headache and fever. Lumbar puncture confirms cryptococcal meningitis.
- • A patient with a history of recurrent bacterial meningitis presents with symptoms of another episode.
- • A patient develops meningitis after undergoing brain surgery.
- • A patient presents with symptoms of encephalitis. Lab tests confirm herpes simplex virus as the cause.
- • A patient with multiple sclerosis has a flare-up of symptoms.
Resources & References
Resources for coding inflammatory diseases of the CNS include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books and websites, and educational materials from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 Browser
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- UpToDate clinical resource website
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association's coding resources
- American Academy of Professional Coders' training materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a G00-G09 code if the patient's condition is suspected but not confirmed?
No, these codes should only be used when the diagnosis has been confirmed by the physician. If the condition is suspected but not confirmed, use a code for the patient's presenting symptoms instead.