2025 ICD-10-CM code A39.9
Meningococcal infection, unspecified.This code is used when the specific type of meningococcal infection is not documented.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with meningococcal infection and confirmed by laboratory testing.The severity of the infection dictates the level of care, which can range from outpatient antibiotic treatment to inpatient hospitalization with intensive care support.
The provider diagnoses the patient based on history, symptoms, physical examination, and positive laboratory reports of cultures of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment includes antibiotics and other supportive care. Early vaccination is recommended for infants and children to prevent such infections.
In simple words: This code refers to a serious bacterial infection caused by meningococcus bacteria.It's used when the doctor doesn't specify what kind ofmeningococcal infection it is, like meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). It's a dangerous infection spread through close contact.
Unspecified meningococcal infections refer to serious, potentially fatal bacterial infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis. N. meningitidis is spread through close contact, such as coughing or kissing, or prolonged interaction with an infected person or carrier (someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms). This code is used when the provider does not document the type of meningococcal infection.
Example 1: A patient presents with severe headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, and altered mental status. Lab tests confirm a meningococcal infection, but the specific type (e.g., meningitis, meningococcemia) is not yet determined. A39.9 is used until a more definitive diagnosis is made., A patient with suspected meningococcal infection is admitted to the hospital for observation and further testing.Initial blood cultures are positive forNeisseria meningitidis, but further tests to determine the precise manifestation of the infection (meningitis, sepsis, etc.) are pending.A39.9 is used until these tests are completed. , A patient presents with a petechial rash, fever, and hypotension. The provider suspects meningococcemia but is awaiting confirmation from lab tests. The patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly, requiring immediate treatment for suspected meningococcal infection. Code A39.9 would be applied until the lab results confirm the diagnosis.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms, lab results (positive cultures for Neisseria meningitidis), and any other diagnostic findings supporting a diagnosis of meningococcal infection. If the specific site or type of infection is later identified, the code should be updated accordingly.
** This is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The ICD-10 code A39.9 for Meningococcal infection, unspecified is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Certain infectious and parasitic diseases.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Public Health Clinic