ICD-10 Guide

B45.0

Meningitis due to coxsackievirus

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 B45.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningitis due to coxsackievirus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meningitis due to coxsackievirus is a viral infection characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, primarily caused by coxsackievirus, a member of the enterovirus family. This condition often presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Coxsackievirus is typically transmitted through fecal-oral routes or respiratory droplets, making it more prevalent in crowded environments. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showing lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein levels, while glucose levels remain normal. In immunocompromised patients, the presentation may be atypical, and the risk of severe complications increases. Treatment is generally supportive, as there are no specific antiviral therapies for coxsackievirus. However, in cases where fungal infections are suspected, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, antifungal treatments may be necessary. This highlights the importance of differential diagnosis in patients presenting with meningitis symptoms, especially in those with underlying conditions that compromise their immune system.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Differentiating viral meningitis from bacterial and fungal meningitis.
Understanding the clinical presentation in immunocompromised patients.
Need for accurate CSF analysis interpretation.
Potential for co-infections with other pathogens.

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
Failure to specify the viral etiology.
Misclassification of viral meningitis as bacterial.
Lack of detailed CSF analysis results.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, symptomatology, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of immunocompromised status and potential for co-infections.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with altered mental status and signs of meningitis.

Billing Considerations

Differentiating between viral and other types of meningitis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B45.0 When

Follow the official ICD
CM coding guidelines for infectious diseases
Ensure accurate documentation of the viral etiology and any relevant clinical findings
existing conditions are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B45.0 When

Exclude other types of meningitis unless co

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected meningitis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure and CSF findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral meningitis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral meningitis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of viral meningitis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management and research.

Resources

Clinical References

•
CDC Viral Meningitis Information

Coding & Billing References

•
CDC Viral Meningitis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of meningitis due to coxsackievirus?

Common symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. In children, irritability and lethargy may also be present.

ICD-10 B45.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningitis due to coxsackievirus.