ICD-10 Guide

A44.0

Invasive meningococcal disease

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A44.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to meningitis and septicemia. This condition is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Invasive meningococcal disease can occur in healthy individuals but poses a higher risk to immunocompromised patients, including those with asplenia, complement deficiencies, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The disease can progress quickly, leading to serious complications such as septic shock and death if not treated promptly. Diagnosis often involves lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis and blood cultures, which can be challenging in immunocompromised patients due to atypical presentations. Early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are critical to improving outcomes. Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis is an essential preventive measure, particularly for high-risk populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

Differential diagnosis with other forms of meningitis
Variability in clinical presentation, especially in immunocompromised patients
Need for precise documentation of immunocompromised status
Potential for rapid clinical deterioration requiring immediate coding

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of immunocompromised status
Failure to document clinical symptoms accurately
Misclassification of the type of meningococcal disease
Lack of supporting lab results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of clinical symptoms, lab results, and patient history, especially regarding immunocompromised status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of meningococcal disease in patients with underlying health conditions.

Billing Considerations

Need for clear documentation of vaccination history and any prior infections.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of presenting symptoms, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, altered mental status, and neck stiffness.

Billing Considerations

Rapid coding may be necessary due to the urgency of the condition.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A44.0 When

Follow official ICD
CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the patient's clinical status, including any immunocompromised conditions
Include relevant lab results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A44.0 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87040CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when blood cultures are taken to confirm meningococcal infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and the clinical indication for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional details on the patient's history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of invasive meningococcal disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of invasive meningococcal disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of invasive meningococcal disease, improving data accuracy and facilitating better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

•
CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Coding & Billing References

•
CDC Meningococcal Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease?

Key symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. A rash may also be present.

ICD-10 A44.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease.