2025 ICD-10-CM code A39
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49) 1 Feed
Meningococcal infection.
Medical necessity for treatment of meningococcal infection is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms and confirmed by laboratory findings.Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications like brain damage or death.
Physicians diagnose meningococcal infection based on patient history, symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests like blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care.
In simple words: Meningococcal infection is a serious bacterial illness that can be life-threatening. It's caused by bacteria that spread through close contact like coughing or kissing. It can cause infections in the brain, spinal cord, and blood. Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, and sometimes a rash. Vaccines can help prevent this infection.
Meningococcal infection refers to a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This infection can manifest in various forms, including meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), septicemia (blood infection), and infections of other organs like the heart, bones, and joints. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person.
Example 1: A teenager presents with a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, and a petechial rash. After a lumbar puncture and blood cultures, the patient is diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis., A young child exhibits fever, lethargy, and vomiting. Blood tests reveal meningococcal septicemia, requiring immediate hospitalization and antibiotic treatment., An infant displays irritability, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle. Meningococcal infection is suspected, and diagnostic tests are conducted to confirm and determine the appropriate treatment.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, altered mental status; laboratory results confirming the presence of N. meningitidis; and details of treatment, including antibiotics administered.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office