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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA39.50

A39.50

Meningococcal carditis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A39.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningococcal carditis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meningococcal carditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium known to cause meningococcal disease. This condition can arise as a complication of systemic meningococcal infection, which may present with symptoms such as fever, chest pain, and dyspnea. The inflammation can lead to significant cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias and heart failure. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to identify the presence of the bacteria. Treatment usually includes antibiotics effective against Neisseria meningitidis, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, and supportive care for cardiac function. The prognosis depends on the severity of the infection and the timeliness of treatment. Meningococcal carditis can occur in both adults and children, but it is more prevalent in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent severe complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of carditis.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and clinical findings.
  • Potential overlap with other bacterial infections.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the type of carditis.
  • Lack of laboratory confirmation of meningococcal infection.
  • Misalignment between diagnosis and treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with systemic infections and cardiac symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of antibiotic therapy and patient monitoring.

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Echocardiogram results, clinical assessment of heart function, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with cardiac symptoms following a known infection.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of cardiac involvement and any arrhythmias observed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A39.50 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition and any related complications
  • Include relevant clinical findings and laboratory results to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A39.50 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

93000CPT Code

Electrocardiogram, ECG

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess cardiac function in patients with suspected carditis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the ECG and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Cardiology may require additional imaging or tests.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like meningococcal carditis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like meningococcal carditis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like meningococcal carditis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of meningococcal carditis?

Common symptoms include fever, chest pain, dyspnea, and signs of heart failure. Patients may also present with systemic symptoms related to meningococcal infection.