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ICD-10 Coding for Bacterial Meningitis(G00.1, G00.2, G00.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bacterial Meningitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Meningitis due to bacteriaBacterial infection of the meninges

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bacterial Meningitis

G00-G09Primary Range

Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system

This range includes codes for various types of meningitis, including bacterial meningitis.

B95-B97

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

These codes are used to identify the specific bacterial organism causing the meningitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G00.1Pneumococcal meningitisUse when CSF analysis confirms Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative organism.
  • CSF culture or PCR confirming Streptococcus pneumoniae
G00.2Streptococcal meningitisUse when CSF analysis confirms Group B Streptococcus as the causative organism.
  • CSF culture confirming Group B Streptococcus
G00.8Other bacterial meningitisUse when a specific bacterium other than those specified in G00.1 or G00.2 is identified.
  • CSF culture or PCR confirming specific bacteria other than Streptococcus pneumoniae or Group B Streptococcus

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bacterial meningitis

Essential facts and insights about Bacterial Meningitis

The ICD-10 code for bacterial meningitis depends on the organism: G00.1 for pneumococcal, G00.2 for streptococcal.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bacterial meningitis

G00.1
Pneumococcal meningitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CSF analysis shows Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Applicable To

  • Meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae

Excludes

  • Meningitis due to other specified bacteria

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CSF culture or PCR confirming Streptococcus pneumoniae

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when organism is not confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure organism is confirmed via laboratory tests before coding.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Streptococcus pneumoniae as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.3
Use to specify the organism causing the meningitis.

Streptococcus, group B, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.1
Use to specify the organism causing the meningitis.

Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use to specify the organism causing the meningitis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Streptococcal meningitis

G00.2
Use when Group B Streptococcus is identified as the causative organism.

Pneumococcal meningitis

G00.1
Use when Streptococcus pneumoniae is identified as the causative organism.

Bacterial meningitis, unspecified

G00.9
Use when the specific bacterium is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bacterial Meningitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G00.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laboratory results are documented., Use specific ICD-10 codes based on organism.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased data accuracy and quality.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G00.x with B95-B97 to specify the organism.

Impact

Failure to document and code the specific organism can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all laboratory results are documented and specific codes are used.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bacterial Meningitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bacterial Meningitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bacterial Meningitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Admission for Suspected Meningitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • CSF analysis results
  • Antibiotic treatment initiated

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever, headache, and neck stiffness. CSF analysis shows 1,200 WBC/mm³ with 90% neutrophils. Gram stain positive for Gram-negative diplococci. IV ceftriaxone initiated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has bacterial meningitis.
Good Documentation Example
CSF analysis shows 1,200 WBC/mm³ with 90% neutrophils; Gram stain positive for Gram-negative diplococci.
Explanation
The good example provides specific laboratory findings supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bacterial Meningitis? Ask your questions below.

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