2025 ICD-10-CM code G04.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infectious Diseases - Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (G00-G09) Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99) Feed
Bacterial meningoencephalitis and meningomyelitis, not elsewhere classified.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the encounter and services provided. Consult the current modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for coding G04.2 is established by the clinical presentation suggestive of bacterial meningitis, supported by laboratory findings (e.g., positive CSF culture or Gram stain), and imaging results showing signs of meningoencephalitis or meningomyelitis. The provider needs to establish the infection is caused by a bacteria and not a virus or other etiology.
Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningoencephalitis and meningomyelitis involves detailed history taking, neurological examination, ordering and interpretation of laboratory tests (blood cultures, CSF analysis, etc.), and neuroimaging (CT scan, MRI). Treatment decisions encompass the selection and administration of appropriate antibiotics and supportive care.
- Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99)
- Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (G00-G09)
In simple words: This code describes a serious bacterial infection causing inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord.Symptoms can range from headache and fever to severe complications like seizures or coma. Doctors use tests like blood cultures and brain scans to diagnose it and prescribe antibiotics and other treatments.
Bacterial meningoencephalitis and meningomyelitis, not elsewhere classified, refers to a neurological disorder involving inflammation of the meninges, brain, and/or spinal cord due to a bacterial infection.This code is used when the specific type of bacterial meningitis isn't specified by another code. The condition causes damage to the myelin sheath, disrupting nerve signals. Symptoms include headache, fever, weakness, fatigue, confusion, seizures, coma, and potentially death.Children may exhibit a bulging fontanelle, stiff body, poor appetite, and irritability. Diagnosis involves history, symptoms, physical exam, blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and imaging (MRI, CT scan). Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics, steroids, hydration, bed rest, and potentially physical, occupational, speech, and psychotherapy.
Example 1: A 25-year-old presents with severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status.Lumbar puncture reveals purulent CSF with Gram-positive cocci.G04.2 is appropriate pending culture results to identify the specific organism., A 6-month-old infant is admitted with fever, lethargy, and a bulging fontanelle. CSF analysis shows bacterial infection.G04.2 is used because the specific pathogen hasn't been definitively identified yet., An immunocompromised patient with a history of leukemia develops signs of meningitis.Cultures are pending, but clinical presentation is suggestive of bacterial meningitis.G04.2 is used initially, potentially revised once the pathogen is identified.
Detailed history and physical examination, including neurological assessment.Laboratory results (CSF analysis, blood cultures).Neuroimaging studies (CT scan, MRI) if indicated.Treatment plan and response to treatment.Any complications.
** Always confirm the diagnosis with laboratory results and imaging studies.The code should be used only when a specific bacterial meningitis code is not available. Ensure proper documentation to support the medical necessity of the diagnosis and treatment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Neurology, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital