Meningococcal meningitis, unspecified
ICD-10 A36.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis, unspecified.
Meningococcal meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This condition can lead to severe complications, including neurological damage and death if not treated promptly. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific serogroup or strain of Neisseria meningitidis is not identified. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is primarily through lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which may reveal elevated white blood cell counts, increased protein levels, and decreased glucose levels. Treatment involves immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone or penicillin, and supportive care. Vaccination against meningococcal disease is crucial for prevention, especially in high-risk populations. Understanding the nuances of this condition is essential for accurate coding and effective patient management.
Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment plans must be documented.
Patients presenting with fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status.
Ensure that all relevant laboratory findings are included to support the diagnosis.
Neurological examination findings and imaging results should be documented.
Patients with neurological deficits following meningitis.
Document any long-term neurological sequelae for accurate coding.
Used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis in suspected meningitis cases.
Document the indication for the procedure and the findings from the CSF analysis.
Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of meningitis.
A36.2 is used for unspecified meningococcal meningitis, while A39.0 is used when the meningococcal meningitis is due to Neisseria meningitidis but the serogroup is not specified. Both codes indicate a bacterial cause, but A39.0 is more specific in its classification.
