In simple words: This code is used when someone has meningitis caused by an infection or parasite that has its own separate code. Meningitis is when the lining of the brain and spinal cord gets inflamed. It's important to also use the code for the original infection causing the meningitis.

Meningitis in other infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere refers to inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) occurring secondary to another infectious or parasitic disease. The underlying disease should be coded first.

Example 1: A patient with a confirmed diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis (B56.9) develops meningitis as a complication. Both B56.9 and G02 would be reported, with B56.9 listed first., A patient diagnosed with poliovirus infection (A80.9) presents with symptoms of meningitis. A80.9 would be coded first, followed by G02., A patient with histoplasmosis meningitis (B39.8 with G02) – The underlying histoplasmosis would be coded as the primary diagnosis (B39.8), followed by G02 to indicate the associated meningitis.

Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of meningitis and the underlying infectious or parasitic disease. Lab results, imaging studies, and clinical findings supporting the diagnoses should be included.