2025 ICD-10-CM code A39.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) Feed
Meningococcemia, unspecified.This is a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream caused by Neisseria meningitidis, where the specific type is not documented.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with meningococcemia and confirmed by laboratory findings.
Clinicians diagnose meningococcemia based on history, symptoms (fever, chills, rapid breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, chest/abdominal pain, muscle/joint pain, cold hands/feet), and physical exam. Lab studies include blood culture, skin biopsy, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. CBC and coagulation tests are done to check for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Treatment includes antibiotics, and if DIC develops, anticoagulants, blood transfusions, and antifibrinolytics.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- A39 - Meningococcal infectionA39.0 - Meningococcal meningitisA39.1 - Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndromeA39.2 - Acute meningococcemiaA39.3 - Chronic meningococcemiaA39.4 - Meningococcemia, unspecifiedA39.5 - Meningococcal heart diseaseA39.8 - Other meningococcal infectionsA39.9 - Meningococcal infection, unspecified
In simple words: Meningococcemia is a serious infection of the blood caused by bacteria. This code is used when the specific type isn't identified. It's spread through close contact with an infected person.
Meningococcemia, unspecified, refers to a serious bacterial infection of the blood caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The specific type of meningococcemia is not documented.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).
Example 1: A teenager presents with fever, chills, a petechial rash, and altered mental status. Blood cultures confirm Neisseria meningitidis, but further typing is not performed. The diagnosis is meningococcemia, unspecified (A39.4)., A college student living in a dormitory experiences sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. Lumbar puncture reveals signs of meningitis, and blood cultures grow Neisseria meningitidis, but no further specification is made.In this case, since the primary manifestation is meningitis, code A39.0 (Meningococcal meningitis) would be more appropriate.If the patient also displays the signs and symptoms of meningococcemia, then code A39.4 might be used as a secondary code., An infant is brought to the emergency room with fever, lethargy, and poor feeding.Physical examination reveals a purpuric rash. Blood tests indicate sepsis, and cultures later identify Neisseria meningitidis.Since the specific type of meningococcemia was not documented, the diagnosis is meningococcemia, unspecified (A39.4).
Documentation should include signs and symptoms, lab results (positive blood culture for N. meningitidis), and any complications (e.g., DIC). If the type of meningococcemia is identified, the more specific code should be used.
** For accurate and specific coding, it's always recommended to consult the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and seek expert advice when needed.Consider using additional codes to capture any related conditions or complications, such as septic shock (R57.2) or DIC (D65).Remember to use the most specific code available.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious disease, emergency medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Public Health Clinic.