2025 ICD-10-CM code A39.82
Meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve.
Medical necessity for treatment of meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis stems from the potential for permanent vision loss if the infection and inflammation are not addressed promptly. The medical necessity should be supported by the diagnosis of the underlying meningococcal infection, along with clinical findings related to optic nerve inflammation and vision impairment.
The provider diagnoses the condition based on history, symptoms, and eye examination, including assessing the optic nerve with an ophthalmoscope. Meningococcal infection is diagnosed through laboratory tests like blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment involves antibiotics for the infection and corticosteroids for the neuritis.
In simple words: Meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis is a serious eye problem caused by a bacterial infection. It inflames the nerve behind the eye, leading to vision problems.
Meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis is a complication of meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This condition involves inflammation of the optic nerve located behind the eye.
Example 1: A college student presents with blurry vision, eye pain, and tenderness around the eye, along with other symptoms suggestive of meningococcal infection. After laboratory confirmation of meningococcal disease and an ophthalmological examination, a diagnosis of meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis is made., A military recruit experiences sudden vision changes, including a central blind spot and faded color perception. Given the close living quarters and potential for rapid spread of infection, meningococcal disease is suspected. Further tests confirm the presence of meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis., An individual with confirmed meningococcal meningitis develops blurry vision and eye pain. An eye examination reveals inflammation of the optic nerve, indicating meningococcal retrobulbar neuritis as a complication of the existing infection.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms such as blurry vision, photophobia, central blind spot, faded color perception, eye pain, tenderness around the eye, and any vision loss. Ophthalmological examination findings, including optic nerve assessment, should be documented. Laboratory results confirming meningococcal infection (blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis) are essential.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office