2025 ICD-10-CM code G00
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Infectious Disease - Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99) Feed
Bacterial meningitis, not elsewhere classified.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis is established by the presence of clinical symptoms and confirmatory laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis.Early initiation of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications and improve patient outcomes.
Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis involve taking a thorough patient history, performing a physical examination, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests (blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures), conducting imaging studies (CT, MRI), administering intravenous antibiotics, and potentially corticosteroids.Monitoring for and management of complications are also key aspects of clinical responsibility.
- Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99)
- Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (G00-G09)
In simple words: Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It's caused by bacteria and can cause symptoms like fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications like brain damage or even death. Doctors diagnose it through tests and treat it with antibiotics.
Bacterial meningitis, not elsewhere classified, refers to inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria.This code encompasses various types of bacterial meningitis not specified by other codes, including arachnoiditis, leptomeningitis, and pachymeningitis.Symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, and potentially more severe complications such as confusion, seizures, coma, brain damage, or death. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and imaging studies (CT, MRI). Treatment consists of intravenous antibiotics and potentially steroids to reduce inflammation and intracranial pressure.
Example 1: A 2-year-old presents with fever, headache, and a stiff neck.Lumbar puncture reveals bacterial meningitis.The provider documents G00 due to the inability to identify the specific bacterial pathogen., A 25-year-old college student develops symptoms of meningitis after a period of close contact with other students on campus.Cultures identify the causative agent as Neisseria meningitidis, but the provider uses G00 due to incomplete documentation of details., A 60-year-old immunocompromised patient presents with symptoms of meningitis.Multiple cultures are negative, indicating a potential atypical or unidentified bacterial pathogen. The provider uses G00 to reflect the uncertain etiology of the meningitis.
Complete history and physical examination, including documentation of symptoms (fever, headache, neck stiffness, etc.). Results of laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, Gram stain). Results of imaging studies (CT scan, MRI), if performed. Documentation of antibiotic treatment, including the type, dose, and duration of therapy.Note of any complications arising from the infection.
** This code is a general code for bacterial meningitis and may require additional codes to specify the causative organism, if identified.Always ensure complete and accurate documentation to support the use of this code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Neurology, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital