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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA39.89

A39.89

Other meningococcal infections

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A39.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other meningococcal infections.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A39.89 refers to other meningococcal infections that are not classified under more specific meningococcal disease codes. Meningococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and septicemia. This code encompasses a variety of clinical presentations that may not fit neatly into the defined categories of meningococcal meningitis or septicemia. Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status, and may present with a petechial rash. Diagnosis typically involves lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, blood cultures, and sometimes imaging studies. Treatment protocols generally include intravenous antibiotics such as penicillin or ceftriaxone, and in some cases, adjunctive corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. Resistance patterns for Neisseria meningitidis are relatively low, but emerging resistance to certain antibiotics has been noted, necessitating careful selection of empirical therapy based on local susceptibility patterns.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of clinical presentations
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms
  • Differentiation from other bacterial infections
  • Potential for co-infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Misclassification of the type of meningococcal infection
  • Failure to document antibiotic resistance patterns
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and type of infection for accurate coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs and initial treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of suspected meningococcal infections.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical due to the urgency of treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A39.89 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infectious diseases, ensuring accurate documentation of the type of meningococcal infection
  • Include any relevant lab results and treatment details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A39.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87040CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the presence of Neisseria meningitidis in suspected cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and clinical suspicion.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure cultures are obtained promptly.

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 the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A39.89 provides a broader classification that can capture various presentations of meningococcal disease.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningococcal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. A39.89 provides a broader classification that can capture various presentations of meningococcal disease.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. A39.89 provides a broader classification that can capture various presentations of meningococcal disease.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of meningococcal infections?

Common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and a petechial rash. Early recognition is crucial for effective treatment.