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 CodesG03.0

G03.0

Billable

Nonpyogenic meningitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G03.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nonpyogenic meningitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nonpyogenic meningitis refers to inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) that is not caused by bacterial infection. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including viral infections, fungal infections, and non-infectious causes such as autoimmune disorders or drug reactions. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as headache, fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Diagnosis typically involves a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which may show lymphocytic pleocytosis, normal glucose levels, and elevated protein levels, distinguishing it from pyogenic (bacterial) meningitis. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may include antiviral or antifungal medications, and supportive care. Nonpyogenic meningitis can lead to complications such as seizures, neurological deficits, or chronic headaches, making early recognition and management crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between pyogenic and nonpyogenic causes
  • Variety of potential underlying conditions (viral, fungal, autoimmune)
  • Need for precise documentation of CSF findings
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other CNS infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of CSF analysis results
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of meningitis
  • Misclassification of nonpyogenic as pyogenic meningitis
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, CSF analysis results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with headache, fever, and altered mental status requiring lumbar puncture.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of differential diagnoses and rationale for treatment choices.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of exposure, laboratory results, and response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected viral or fungal infections leading to meningitis.

Billing Considerations

Document specific pathogens identified and treatment regimens tailored to the infectious agent.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G03.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G03
  • 0 should be used when the meningitis is confirmed to be nonpyogenic
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and that the clinical criteria for nonpyogenic meningitis are met

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G03.0 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 meningitis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure, consent, and CSF findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation of the procedure and results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nonpyogenic meningitis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its various causes, which aids in better patient management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nonpyogenic meningitis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its various causes, which aids in better patient management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nonpyogenic meningitis, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its various causes, which aids in better patient management and research.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Meningitis Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Meningitis Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of nonpyogenic meningitis?

Common causes include viral infections (like enteroviruses), fungal infections (such as cryptococcal meningitis), and non-infectious causes like autoimmune diseases or drug reactions.

How is nonpyogenic meningitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through lumbar puncture and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, which shows lymphocytic pleocytosis, normal glucose levels, and elevated protein.