ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA88.8

A88.8

Other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 A88.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other viral infections of central nervous system, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A88.8 encompasses a variety of viral infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) that do not fit into more specific categories. These infections can result from various viruses, including but not limited to enteroviruses, cytomegalovirus, and others that may cause encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and neurological deficits. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests such as PCR for viral DNA or RNA. Treatment is often supportive, focusing on symptom management, as specific antiviral therapies may not be available for all viral pathogens. Vaccination status is crucial, as certain viral infections can be prevented through vaccination, thereby reducing the incidence of CNS complications. Understanding the nuances of these infections is essential for accurate coding and appropriate patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of viral pathogens involved
  • Overlap with other CNS infection codes
  • Need for precise clinical documentation
  • Potential for misclassification with similar conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of viral etiology
  • Failure to specify neurological symptoms
  • Misuse of related codes for similar conditions
  • Lack of vaccination history documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and laboratory test results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute encephalitis or meningitis symptoms, requiring differential diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific viral infection and any neurological deficits observed.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of exposure, vaccination status, and laboratory confirmation of viral infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected viral CNS infections requiring specialized testing and management.

Billing Considerations

Document any travel history or exposure to known outbreaks to support diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A88.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the specific viral infection when possible
  • 8 should be used when no other specific code applies, and clinical documentation must support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A88.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87491CPT Code

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); viral, amplified probe technique

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for specific viral infections in patients with CNS symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific viral test performed and the clinical rationale.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure accurate linkage between diagnosis and testing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral CNS infections, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. A88.8 serves as a catch-all for less common viral infections, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral CNS infections, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. A88.8 serves as a catch-all for less common viral infections, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral CNS infections, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. A88.8 serves as a catch-all for less common viral infections, which may have been underreported in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Meningitis and Encephalitis

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Meningitis and Encephalitis

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of viruses are included under A88.8?

A88.8 includes various viral infections affecting the CNS that are not classified elsewhere, such as enteroviruses, cytomegalovirus, and others that may cause encephalitis or meningitis.