2025 ICD-10-CM code A39.50

Meningococcal carditis, unspecified.

If the specific type of meningococcal carditis is known (endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis), the more specific code (A39.51, A39.52, or A39.53) should be used instead of A39.50.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of meningococcal infection and its impact on the heart. Documentation should clearly link the cardiac involvement to the meningococcal infection.

Diagnosis of meningococcal carditis is based on patient history, symptoms (such as changes in heart rate and rhythm, chest pain, and signs of meningococcemia), physical examination, and laboratory tests (including blood cultures, cardiac markers, and ECG/echocardiogram). Treatment involves antibiotics, management of cardiac symptoms, and supportive care.

In simple words: This code describes a heart infection caused by meningococcal bacteria, but the specific part of the heart affected is not known.

Unspecified meningococcal carditis refers to a rare complication of meningococcemia, a serious bacterial infection of the blood caused by Neisseria meningitidis.This condition can involve inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis), the heart muscle (myocarditis), or the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). The specific type of heart involvement is not specified in this code.

Example 1: A patient presents with fever, stiff neck, headache, and altered mental status. Blood cultures reveal Neisseria meningitidis, and an echocardiogram shows inflammation of the heart lining, indicating meningococcal endocarditis. A39.51 would be a more specific code in this scenario., A patient with confirmed meningococcemia develops chest pain and an irregular heartbeat. An ECG reveals changes consistent with myocarditis. In this case, A39.52 is the more appropriate code., A patient recovering from meningococcal meningitis develops chest pain and shortness of breath. Imaging studies reveal inflammation of the pericardium. The specific code A39.53 would be used.

Documentation should include evidence of meningococcal infection (positive blood culture, clinical findings), as well as signs and symptoms of cardiac involvement (chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, ECG/echocardiogram findings). The type of carditis (endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis) should be specified if known.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Infectious Disease, Cardiology
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital
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