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 CodesD86.81

D86.81

Billable

Sarcoid meningitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D86.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sarcoid meningitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Sarcoid meningitis is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various organs. In sarcoid meningitis, these granulomas infiltrate the meninges, leading to inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and neurological deficits. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, which may reveal elevated protein levels, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the presence of non-caseating granulomas. Treatment often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. The condition can lead to complications such as increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and long-term neurological impairment if not adequately addressed. Understanding the nuances of sarcoid meningitis is crucial for accurate coding and management of this complex condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of meningitis
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Variability in presentation and diagnostic criteria

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to include CSF analysis results
  • Misclassification with other types of meningitis
  • Lack of clear linkage between sarcoidosis and meningitis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and CSF analysis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms and a known history of sarcoidosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological deficits are documented and linked to the diagnosis of sarcoid meningitis.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

History of sarcoidosis, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies of the chest.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis who develop neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between pulmonary symptoms and neurological findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D86.81 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's relationship to sarcoidosis
  • Include all relevant clinical findings and diagnostic tests to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D86.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected sarcoid meningitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for lumbar puncture and CSF findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and infectious disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation of CSF results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sarcoid meningitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of sarcoid meningitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Neurology
  • •
    Sarcoidosis Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Neurology
  • •
    Sarcoidosis Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of sarcoid meningitis?

Common symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, and neurological deficits such as confusion or seizures.

How is sarcoid meningitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, which may show elevated protein and lymphocytes.