Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: The provider performs a level-three evaluation and management (E/M) service for an established patient with meningitis. The trouble is, the provider didn’t detail the type of bacteria that caused the meningitis. In cases like this, which ICD-10 code would be most appropriate?

California Subscriber

Answer: Obviously, you should check with the provider to see if you can get more info before choosing a diagnosis. If that action is impossible, follow this advice on choosing the ICD-10 code for your 99213 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least 2 of these 3 key components: An expanded problem focused history; An expanded problem focused examination; Medical decision making of low complexity … ) claim:

When the provider does not specify the type of bacteria that caused the meningitis, you should report either G00.9 (Bacterial meningitis, unspecified) or G04.2 (Bacterial meningoencephalitis and meningomyelitis, not elsewhere classified).

You should report ICD-10 code G00.9 for meningitis and code G04.2 for meningoencephalitis and meningomyelitis.

Don’t miss: Code G00.9 includes the following conditions:

• Meningitis due to gram-negative bacteria, unspecified.
• Purulent meningitis NOS.
• Pyogenic meningitis NOS.
• Suppurative meningitis NOS.