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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG03.8

G03.8

Billable

Meningitis due to other specified causes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G03.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meningitis due to other specified causes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

G03.8 refers to meningitis caused by various specified factors that do not fall under the more common categories of viral, bacterial, or fungal meningitis. This condition can arise from a range of etiologies, including but not limited to autoimmune disorders, certain medications, or specific infections that do not fit neatly into the standard classifications. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and imaging studies. The management of G03.8 can vary significantly based on the underlying cause, necessitating a tailored therapeutic approach. Understanding the specific cause of meningitis is crucial for effective treatment and can influence the prognosis. Given the complexity of the condition and the potential for serious complications, including neurological deficits, timely and accurate coding is essential for appropriate patient care and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes requiring thorough documentation.
  • Need for precise differentiation from other types of meningitis.
  • Potential overlap with other CNS infections complicating coding.
  • Variability in clinical presentation based on etiology.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific cause of meningitis.
  • Failure to differentiate from other CNS infections.
  • Misuse of G03.8 when a more specific code is applicable.
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, results of lumbar puncture, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute onset of headache, fever, and neck stiffness; differential diagnosis includes various types of meningitis.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must ensure that all potential causes are explored and documented to support the use of G03.8.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of exposure, travel, and immunization status; laboratory results confirming the infectious agent.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with atypical presentations of meningitis or those with a history of immunocompromised states.

Billing Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should document the rationale for selecting G03.8 over more specific codes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G03.8 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, G03
  • 8 should be used when the meningitis is due to a specified cause that is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis and that all relevant tests and findings are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G03.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis in suspected meningitis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, findings, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists and infectious disease specialists should ensure that the rationale for lumbar puncture is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningitis cases, including G03.8, which captures a broader range of causes. This specificity aids in better tracking of epidemiological data and resource allocation for treatment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningitis cases, including G03.8, which captures a broader range of causes. This specificity aids in better tracking of epidemiological data and resource allocation for treatment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of meningitis cases, including G03.8, which captures a broader range of causes. This specificity aids in better tracking of epidemiological data and resource allocation for treatment.

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 are the common causes of meningitis coded under G03.8?

Common causes include autoimmune disorders, certain medications, and rare infections that do not fit into the standard categories of viral or bacterial meningitis.