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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA39.51

A39.51

Meningococcal endocarditis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A39.51 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. Clinically, patients may present with fever, chills, fatigue, and signs of heart failure. Diagnosis is confirmed through blood cultures, echocardiography, and clinical evaluation. Treatment involves the use of high-dose intravenous antibiotics, such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, and may require surgical intervention for valve replacement in severe cases. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, with early intervention being crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of specific bacterial infections and their coding nuances.
  • Differentiation from other types of endocarditis (e.g., bacterial, fungal).
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical findings and treatment protocols.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions that complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the causative organism.
  • Misclassification of endocarditis type.
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and heart murmur, history of recent infections.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of antibiotic resistance patterns.

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Echocardiogram results, clinical assessment of heart function, and surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with pre-existing heart conditions presenting with signs of infection.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any surgical interventions or valve replacements.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A39.51 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A39
  • 51 should be used when the documentation specifies meningococcal endocarditis
  • It is essential to ensure that the causative organism is clearly identified in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A39.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

93306CPT Code

Echocardiography, transthoracic, real-time with interpretation and report.

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess heart valve function in suspected endocarditis.

Documentation Requirements

Echocardiogram results must be documented in the medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Cardiology specialists should ensure detailed reports are available.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal endocarditis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of infection patterns and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal endocarditis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of infection patterns and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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, heart murmur, and signs of heart failure. Patients may also experience septicemia.