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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA36.3

A36.3

Meningococcal endocarditis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A36.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningococcal endocarditis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meningococcal endocarditis is a rare but serious infection of the heart valves caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium known for causing meningitis. This condition typically arises in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those who are immunocompromised. The infection can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, septicemia, and systemic emboli. Symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, and signs of heart failure. Diagnosis is often confirmed through blood cultures, echocardiography, and clinical evaluation. Treatment involves the use of appropriate antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, and may require surgical intervention for valve replacement in severe cases. Due to the potential for rapid deterioration, early recognition and management are critical. Meningococcal endocarditis is particularly concerning in populations with high rates of meningococcal disease, such as adolescents and young adults, and in settings where outbreaks occur.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of both infectious disease and cardiology.
  • Differentiation from other types of endocarditis (e.g., bacterial, fungal).
  • Need for precise documentation of causative organism.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the causative organism.
  • Failure to document pre-existing heart conditions.
  • Lack of clarity in clinical presentation.
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of infection, laboratory results, and treatment protocols.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and heart murmur, history of meningococcal disease.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of antibiotic susceptibility and treatment response.

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Echocardiographic findings, clinical symptoms, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known heart disease presenting with signs of infection.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any valve replacement or repair procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A36.3 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the infection's cause and any related conditions
  • Include any relevant laboratory results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A36.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

93306CPT Code

Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with interpretation

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess for vegetations in suspected endocarditis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Echocardiogram report detailing findings.

Specialty Considerations

Cardiology documentation standards apply.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infectious diseases, including meningococcal endocarditis, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infectious diseases, including meningococcal endocarditis, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of infectious diseases, including meningococcal endocarditis, which aids in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of meningococcal endocarditis?

Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, and signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath and edema.

How is meningococcal endocarditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through blood cultures, echocardiography, and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

What is the treatment for meningococcal endocarditis?

Treatment usually involves intravenous antibiotics and may require surgical intervention for valve replacement in severe cases.