ICD-10 Code A87.8 – Other viral meningitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A87.8 – Other viral meningitis
What it is
A87.8 identifies meningitis caused by a virus that does not fit a more specific viral meningitis code. It means inflammation of the meninges with a viral cause documented in the record.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include headache, fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, and cerebrospinal fluid evidence of viral meningitis when available.
When to use this code
Use A87.8 when the clinician documents viral meningitis but does not name a more specific viral agent. It also applies when the infection is clearly viral and the chart supports meningitis, yet the organism remains unspecified or falls outside more specific categories.
Code the confirmed diagnosis from the provider’s note or discharge summary. If the record only says meningitis without a viral cause, or another cause is documented, you should not assign this code.
Do not use for
Do not use A87.8 for bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or noninfectious meningitis. Also avoid it when a more specific viral meningitis code is documented.
Coding tip
Check the provider’s final diagnosis for the exact viral cause before defaulting to A87.8.