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 CodesG04.39

G04.39

Billable

Other acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G04.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy (ANHE) is a rare but severe neurological condition characterized by rapid onset of encephalopathy, often following a viral infection. It is marked by necrosis and hemorrhage in the brain, leading to significant neurological deficits. Patients typically present with altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological signs. The condition can be associated with infections such as influenza, herpes simplex virus, and other viral pathogens. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by neuroimaging findings that reveal bilateral thalamic lesions and other areas of hemorrhagic necrosis. The acute nature of the disease necessitates prompt medical intervention, often including antiviral therapy, supportive care, and management of complications. The prognosis can vary widely, with some patients experiencing full recovery while others may suffer long-term neurological impairment or even death. Given its acute presentation and potential for rapid deterioration, accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed clinical documentation to support diagnosis.
  • Differentiation from other encephalopathies can be challenging.
  • Potential overlap with other CNS infections complicates coding.
  • Need for precise neuroimaging results to substantiate diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to link symptoms to the diagnosis.
  • Misinterpretation of imaging results.
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in medical records.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms post-viral infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in documenting the acute nature and specific findings of necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of viral infections, laboratory results, and response to antiviral therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recent viral illnesses developing neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the infectious etiology and its correlation with neurological manifestations.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G04.39 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies
  • 39 should be used when the specific features of necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy are documented, and other codes for encephalitis or meningitis are not applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G04.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

70450CPT Code

CT scan of the head

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate for hemorrhagic changes in suspected cases of G04.39.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for CT scan and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like G04.39, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like G04.39, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Viral Encephalitis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Viral Encephalitis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy?

Common causes include viral infections such as influenza, herpes simplex virus, and other viral pathogens. It often follows a recent viral illness.