ICD-10 code for meningitis

The ICD-10-CM code for meningitis is G03.9 (Meningitis, unspecified). The official index lists 111 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G03.9.

Within G03, choose G03.9 (Meningitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: nonpyogenic meningitis (G03.0), chronic meningitis (G03.1), benign recurrent meningitis [Mollaret] (G03.2) and meningitis due to other specified causes (G03.8).

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 097 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with MCC, relative weight 3.8226), DRG 098 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis with CC, relative weight 2.2706), DRG 099 (Non-Bacterial Infection of Nervous System Except Viral Meningitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 1.5256), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.