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 CodesChapter 6: Diseases of the nervous systemG01

G01

Billable

Meningitis in bacterial diseases classified elsewhere

Chapter 6:Diseases of the nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningitis in bacterial diseases classified elsewhere.

Key Diagnostic Point:

G01 refers to meningitis that occurs as a complication of bacterial diseases that are classified in other categories. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. Bacterial meningitis can arise from various infectious agents, including bacteria that cause pneumonia, sepsis, or other systemic infections. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is often confirmed through lumbar puncture and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The management of G01 involves addressing the underlying bacterial infection, which may require antibiotics and supportive care. Given the potential for rapid deterioration in patients with bacterial meningitis, timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications such as brain damage or death. Coders must ensure accurate documentation of the underlying bacterial disease to appropriately assign G01, as it is essential for proper coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of underlying bacterial diseases
  • Need for precise documentation linking meningitis to the primary infection
  • Differentiation from viral and other types of meningitis
  • Potential for multiple coding scenarios based on the primary diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking meningitis to the underlying bacterial disease
  • Failure to capture all relevant diagnoses
  • Misclassification of the type of meningitis
  • Inconsistent use of codes for related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history of the infection, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fever, altered mental status, and signs of systemic infection.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly link the bacterial infection to the meningitis diagnosis.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and CSF analysis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neurological deficits or severe headaches requiring hospitalization.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of neurological symptoms and their progression is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G01 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G01 should be used when meningitis is a complication of a bacterial disease classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the primary bacterial infection is documented and coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G01 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where meningitis is not linked to a bacterial infection

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected meningitis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for lumbar puncture and results of CSF analysis.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists must ensure thorough documentation of neurological assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningitis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G01 reflects the complexity of coding meningitis as a complication of other bacterial diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningitis types, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G01 reflects the complexity of coding meningitis as a complication of other bacterial diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. G01 reflects the complexity of coding meningitis as a complication of other bacterial diseases.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of documenting the underlying bacterial infection for G01?

Documenting the underlying bacterial infection is crucial for accurate coding of G01, as it establishes the link between the primary disease and the resulting meningitis, which is necessary for proper reimbursement and clinical management.