ICD-10 Code B45.1 – Cerebral cryptococcosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code B45.1 – Cerebral cryptococcosis
What it is
B45.1 identifies cryptococcal infection involving the brain. Use it when documentation specifies cerebral cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection affecting the central nervous system.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include headache, fever, altered mental status, meningitis-like symptoms, or neurologic deficits when the infection involves the brain.
When to use this code
Use B45.1 when the provider documents cryptococcosis of the brain, cerebral cryptococcosis, or cryptococcal CNS involvement. Code it when the diagnosis is confirmed or clearly documented in the record. If the site is not specified, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cryptococcosis limited to other sites, such as lung or skin. If the record only states cryptococcal infection without cerebral involvement, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the anatomic site in the provider note; B45.1 requires explicit cerebral or brain involvement.