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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA39.2

A39.2

Meningococcal meningitis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A39.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This condition can lead to severe complications, including neurological damage and death if not treated promptly. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and altered mental status. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific serogroup of Neisseria meningitidis has not been identified, which can complicate treatment decisions and epidemiological tracking. Diagnosis is primarily through clinical evaluation and confirmed by lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment usually involves intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone or penicillin, and may require adjunctive therapies to manage complications. Vaccination against meningococcal disease is a critical preventive measure, especially in high-risk populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the code can lead to ambiguity in clinical documentation.
  • Differentiating between various types of meningitis can be challenging.
  • Requires understanding of serogroup identification for accurate coding.
  • Potential for misclassification with other types of bacterial meningitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the serogroup when known.
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to potential denials.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, lab results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of meningitis in immunocompromised patients.

Billing Considerations

Ensure serogroup identification is documented when available.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of neurological deficits in patients with suspected meningitis.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological sequelae for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A39.2 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for infectious diseases, ensuring accurate documentation of clinical findings and treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A39.2 When
  • Exclude codes for viral meningitis or other bacterial meningitis types unless specified

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used for diagnosis of meningitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for lumbar puncture and CSF findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of neurological assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal infections, improving data accuracy and epidemiological tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A39.2 may lead to coding challenges and potential audit risks.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal infections, improving data accuracy and epidemiological tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A39.2 may lead to coding challenges and potential audit risks.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal infections, improving data accuracy and epidemiological tracking. However, the unspecified nature of A39.2 may lead to coding challenges and potential audit risks.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of using the unspecified code A39.2?

Using A39.2 indicates that the specific serogroup of Neisseria meningitidis has not been identified, which can impact treatment decisions and epidemiological tracking. It is essential to document any known serogroups to avoid using this unspecified code.